Former All Blacks back three star Israel Dagg has praised Scott Robertson for making the bold call and picking Leroy Carter over Rieko Ioane for their crucial match against the Springboks this evening.
The 26-year-old will make his Test debut against the Springboks having been selected ahead of the experienced wing.
Carter joins a back three which also includes Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie as New Zealand look to secure back-to-back victories over the defending world champions.
Dagg says it is a brave decision from Robertson to pick the untested Chiefs star, particularly with Saturday’s clash significant in the context of the Rugby Championship.
A victory would put the All Blacks in an excellent position going into the Bledisloe Cup, but a defeat would leave the competition finely poised ahead of the final two rounds.
The All Blacks are chasing their first win against the Springboks in Wellington since 2014 as they look to snatch back the Freedom Cup.
The All Blacks have played the Springboks 15 times in Wellington previously, winning nine to the Boks’ four, as well as two draws.
The great rivals last met in the capital in 2019, where a late try to Springboks halfback Herschel Jantjies secured a dramatic 16-all draw.
The All Blacks face the Springboks at 7.05pm today while the Wallabies take on Argentina at 4pm.
Source: planetrugby.com
