First Test Line-ups Announced
First Test Line-ups Announced
The All Blacks are set to face the Springboks in the first test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has recalled several key players for the match, with Cam Roigard, Will Jordan, and Damian McKenzie named in the starting XV. Ardie Savea will resume captaincy duties after being rested for the initial three games of the South African tour.
The All Blacks starting lineup includes: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (Captain), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Josh Moorby, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Replacements for the All Blacks are: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Anton Segner, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Leroy Carter.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has selected an experienced squad, though they will be without their injured captain, Siya Kolisi. The Springboks starting lineup features: 1. Ox Nche, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Paul de Villiers, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Grant Williams, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Jesse Kriel, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 15. Damian Willemse.
Springboks replacements include: 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Zachary Porthen, 19. Cobus Wiese, 20. Andre Esterhuizen, 21. Marco van Staden, 22. Cobus Reinach, 23. Manie Libbok. Kickoff for the match is scheduled for 3:10 am.
Pre-Match Dynamics and Strategies
The build-up to the test series has seen both coaching camps engage in pre-match discussions. Dave Rennie and his assistant Tana Umaga have publicly stated the All Blacks’ intention to play at speed, a strategy reinforced by Rennie’s selection of two loose forwards, Peter Lakai and Anton Segner, on the replacements bench in place of a backup lock. This approach suggests a desire to maintain a high tempo throughout the 80 minutes.
The Springboks have responded to these statements. Former referee and current adviser Jaco Peyper asserted that the Springboks are not slow. Assistant coach Felix Jones highlighted instances of New Zealand players allegedly “tucking shoulders” and “pulling, lifting of legs” in rucks and mauls during tour matches against South African provinces. Rassie Erasmus also accused New Zealand of “preaching” about how the game should be played.
The strategic exchanges between the teams indicate a focus on influencing the referee, Matt Carley, who will officiate the series opener. Both sides appear to be attempting to gain an advantage through their public comments regarding playing style and adherence to rules.
Recent History and Team Form
Recent history between the two teams shows a shift in momentum. South Africa has won five of the last six encounters against New Zealand, including the 2023 World Cup final. This marks a significant change since 2016 and 2017, when the All Blacks secured consecutive victories with high scores.
Under Rennie, the All Blacks are perceived to have regained clarity in their play, moving past what has been described as a period of confusion during Scott Robertson’s tenure. The return of Damian McKenzie from injury is also a boost for the All Blacks.
Despite being without captain Siya Kolisi, the Springboks possess a strong squad. The half-back pairing of Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, along with the back three of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse, are noted as potent attacking options for South Africa. The match is set to begin at 3:10 am.
Source: rnz.co.nz
