All Blacks brace for switched-up Springboks response as Wellington showdown looms

Rassie Erasmus has opted for seven changes to his Springboks starting XV, following last weekend’s 24–17 defeat in Auckland, with a new-look back-line the most striking feature. Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu form the halfback pairing, while Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie combine in midfield. Ethan Hooker joins Cheslin Kolbe on the wings for his first Test start, with Aphelele Fassi lining up at fullback.

In the green and gold forward pack, Captain Siya Kolisi returns on the flank alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit, while No.8 Jasper Wiese is back from suspension. Up front, Lood de Jager partners Ruan Nortje at lock, with Malcolm Marx once again at hooker between props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit.

Looking ahead to the second Test, All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson was not surprised by Rassie's sweeping changes. “The way Rassie operates, he's got a squad he trusts and he gives guys opportunities. There'll be variations in the game-play. They'll have a little bit of innovation like they did last week. We expect a little bit of everything like one-off plays but the fundamentals will be the same.”

The All Blacks boss was clear on what his side need to do next, if New Zealand are to win the Freedom Cup back from the Springboks this Saturday. “The key to the All Blacks backing up an improved performance with another, was acknowledging the ability to reach a height, and then knowing what it takes to do it again. Part of that was knowing why you do it, why you play and what is important.”

“The players have come in and performed. You have a four-year project, and you've got to win and learn." Robertson added. "This year, we've had a lot of guys come in and perform well. That's a testament to the environment and how you set people up to take their step up. We're pleased with that, and creating some good depth and experience.”

On the squad news, the All Blacks' injury concerns continue. There are fresh arrivals on the side-lines after the clash in Auckland, to replace the newcomers who are back fit and firing in the All Blacks camp: “Luke Jacobson and Caleb Clarke had rejoined the squad while George Bell had been called in as cover for Codie Taylor. Emoni Narawa is still sore after suffering a rib injury in Auckland.” Robertson confirmed.

Robertson was especially delighted to see Caleb Clarke pushing back towards his best. “It's important when someone's been away for a couple of months that they get two games in a row to give themselves confidence. He's come back in good condition.”

The head coach known in All Blacks circles as 'Razor', also reserved special words for Simon Parker, who made his Test debut against Argentina in the earlier rounds of the Rugby Championship. “He stepped straight up to the mark. Some players do it well, they're given an opportunity and take it. He's pretty unphased, and does his core role well. He does his job under pressure and that's what we're pleased about. He led the tackle count again and was very physical.”

Assistant coach Jason Ryan admitted Sunday’s recovery session reflected the toll of a bruising first Test with the Springboks. “Getting us fresh and reset back to zero will be important for a good training week. We're expecting a big response from South Africa, so I'm expecting a big response from us.”

New Zealand will be without hooker Codie Taylor, who failed an HIA, and wing Emoni Narawa, sidelined with a rib injury. Ryan is confident that Samisoni Taukei'aho will step up. “He's dynamic around the park. He's a pretty experienced hooker now too, and Brodie's [McAlister] there too.”

“Taukei'aho has played the majority of games for us this year, so he's good to go." Robertson added. "George Bell's been around the environment, and Brodie's [McAlister] been with us for a long time. They're great scrummagers, good lineout throwers and know their way around the field.”

On Simon Parker and his fellow All Blacks young gun Wallace Sititi, Ryan said: “Simon Parker last night was outstanding. That was a big Test to come in and start. He'll get a lot better. Wallace Sititi's footwork at the line and gets through defensive lines with good body height. He's very instinctive Wally and that's what we love about him.”

However, the man of the hour from the All Blacks back row against South Africa, was certainly Ardie Savea. The Moana Pasifika star packed down for his 100th New Zealand Test cap, with a decisive turnover optimising his stellar performance at Eden Park. Robertson was taken aback by Savea's contributions upon his on-field century, with more of the same hoped for in Wellington.

“Ardie Savea's crucial turnover near the end summed him up. He's a person that makes big plays. It was his moment in his 100th game. He's so mentally and physically tough and has so much resilience and keeps getting up His ability to move between flanker and No8, to carry the ball and hunt, and his tackling were typical and probably reflected how he has played through his 100 Tests.”

Robertson rounded off by expressing how the All Blacks' preparation for the two-match Springboks series had been much sharper than for the back-to-back fixtures against Argentina. New Zealand were stunned by Los Pumas to lose on Argentine soil for the first time in Round 2, with the All Blacks now back to winning ways ahead of the Freedom Cup match this Saturday.

“We didn't want to waste the lesson we received in Argentina, where our performance and care weren't good enough. The preparation hadn't been good enough. But there was no issue with the preparation in Auckland.”