Ardie Savea to win 100th cap as All Blacks name squad to face Springboks at Eden Park

Savea, who made his debut in 2016 against Wales, becomes the 15th All Blacks centurion and only the fourth loose forward to reach the milestone.

Renowned for his leadership and consistency, Savea has already captained New Zealand against South Africa in their 100th Test meeting back in 2021 and enters this match having faced the Springboks 15 times. His record is formidable: 30 Test tries – the most of any All Blacks forward – 74 starts, and 72 wins from 99 appearances.

“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black. He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership, and mana every time he pulls on the jersey,” said New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson. “We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day.”

There is also a glimpse of the future, with Kyle Preston named on the bench and set to make his debut. The 25-year-old halfback’s rise has been meteoric, from his NPC debut for Wellington in 2023 to a Crusaders Super Rugby hat-trick on debut this year.

“As with all of our debutants, we know that Kyle will rise to the challenge in the black jersey. He is a skilful player who has proven his ability to drive a game and make smart decisions in pressure moments,” Robertson added.

The selectors have shuffled their pack, with Wallace Sititi handed the No.8 shirt and Simon Parker moving to the blindside. Tupou Vaa’i shifts into lock, while Fabian Holland provides impact from the bench. In the backs, Emoni Narawa replaces Timoci Tavatavanawai, who is unavailable through injury.

The match carries historic weight. The All Blacks are unbeaten in their last 50 Tests at Eden Park – 48 wins and two draws – and have not lost at the ground since 1994. Yet the Springboks arrive on a run of four straight wins in the rivalry, including last year’s Rugby World Cup final, and have held New Zealand to a single try or fewer in three of those contests.

This will be the 109th Test between the sides, with the All Blacks holding 62 wins to South Africa’s 42, plus four draws. The recent rivalry has been as tight as ever: the last three meetings were all decided by six points or fewer.

With the All Blacks aiming to defend their Eden Park fortress and the Springboks chasing a fifth consecutive win in the fixture, Saturday night promises to be another chapter worthy of rugby’s greatest rivalry.

1. Ethan de Groot – 34 caps
2. Codie Taylor – 100 caps
3. Fletcher Newell – 27 caps
4. Scott Barrett (captain) – 83 caps
5. Tupou Vaa’i – 42 caps
6. Simon Parker – 1 cap
7. Ardie Savea (vice-captain) – 99 caps
8. Wallace Sititi – 11 caps
9. Finlay Christie – 25 caps
10. Beauden Barrett – 138 caps
11. Rieko Ioane – 85 caps
12. Jordie Barrett (vice-captain) – 73 caps
13. Billy Proctor – 6 caps
14. Emoni Narawa – 3 caps
15. Will Jordan – 46 caps

Replacements:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho – 35 caps
17. Tamaiti Williams – 19 caps
18. Tyrel Lomax – 45 caps
19. Fabian Holland – 5 caps
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi – 4 caps
21. Kyle Preston * – debut
22. Quinn Tupaea – 17 caps
23. Damian McKenzie – 66 caps