New Zealand coach Ian Foster has made five changes to his squad, including starting wingers Will Jordan and Mark Telea, before facing reigning world champions South Africa on Saturday in Auckland during the 2nd day of the Rugby Championship.
Jordan, 25, returned to competition in May after an eight-month hiatus due to migraine headaches causing dizziness and vertigo.
Author of 21 tries in 21 test matches, he takes the place of Emoni Narawa on the right wing, holder last Saturday in Mendoza against Argentina. On the left wing, Telea takes the place of Caleb Clarke.
Among the other three changes from the XV that crushed the Pumas is the opening start of Richie Mo’unga, in place of Damian McKenzie.
“I’m delighted with their form, they both shone in Super Rugby and today it’s Richie’s turn,” commented Ian Foster, who currently has the privilege of being able to count on two halfbacks. very high-level opening in the run-up to the World Cup in France (September 8-October 28).
The other two changes relate to the pack, where Brodie Retallick appears in the second row alongside Scott Barrett, and Codie Taylor in the tailgating.
The All Blacks and the Springboks made a strong impression on the first day, the Blacks beating the Pumas 41-12 by a wide margin, and the Boks knocking out the Wallabies 43-12 with almost the same score in Pretoria.
This match could be an opportunity for pillar Tamaiti Williams, if he comes off the bench, to play the first minutes of his career in the black jersey.
Composition of the XV of New Zealand against South Africa on Saturday during the 2nd day of the Rugby Championship:
B. Barrett – Jordan, R. Ioane, J. Barrett, Telea – (o) Mo’unga, (m) Smith – Cane (cap), A. Savea, Frizell – S. Barrett, Retallick – Lomax, Taylor, de Groot
Substitutes: Taukei’aho, Williams, Laulala, Vaa’i, Papali’i, Christie, Ennor, Clarke
