Richie Mo’unga is back at flyhalf as the All Blacks have named a strongest possible lineup for the World Cup warm-up against the Springboks at Twickenham on Friday.
Will Jordan is the only survivor from the backline that started in the three-point win over the Wallabies in the Bledisloe Cup, with Ian Foster making no fewer than 11 personnel changes to the starting lineup.
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Jordan is joined in the outside backs by Beauden Barrett and Mark Telea, while Rieko Ioane and Jordie Barrett resume their midfield partnership, despite suggestions that fit-again centre David Havili would make his first Test start of the year.
Best against best? 🇿🇦v🇳🇿@mark_keohane and Zels preview the heavyweight clash between the Boks and All Blacks, but it's not your typical encounter👀 pic.twitter.com/YkagmXoGU6
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) August 22, 2023
Mo’unga forms the halfback partnership with Aaron Smith to complete a powerful All Blacks backline.
Ardie Savea and Sam Cane both faced the Wallabies, but there is a new blindside flank in Luke Jacobson, who gets an opportunity to impress in the injury-enforced absence of Shannon Frizell.
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With Brodie Retallick out injured, Scott Barrett joins Sam Whitelock in the second row, while the front row sees veteran Dane Coles flanked by Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax.
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The All Blacks have mirrored the Springboks in opting for a six-two split between forwards and backs, with young scrumhalf Cam Roigard and experienced centre Anton Leinert-Brown the two backline replacements.
New Zealand – 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mounga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Subs: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Tupou Vaai, 21 Dalton Papali’i, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Anton Leinert-Brown.
Photo: Getty Images