Savea to play 100th test match as All Blacks host Springboks in Eden Park

All Blacks loose-forward Ardie Savea will be playing his 100th test match this week after being named in the 23-member team that will take on the Springboks this Saturday in the Rugby Championship.

Savea debuted for the All Blacks in 2016 against Wales, having previously represented New Zealand in the Under-20s and Sevens sides.

He has played against South Africa on 15 previous occasions, including as All Blacks Captain in the 100th Test against the Springboks in 2021.

Kyle Preston is likely to make his All Blacks debut after being named on the bench.

The 25-year-old halfback made his Bunnings Warehouse NPC debut for Wellington in 2023 and became their top try scorer in 2024, then his Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders this year, scoring a hat-trick of tries on debut.

Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, and Fletcher Newell will team up in the front rows, while captain Scott Barrett will pair up with Tupou Vaa’i at locks.

Simon Parker and Ardie Savea will start at open and blindside flankers, while Wallace Sititi is at number 8.

Finlay Christie will partner with  Beauden Barrett at the halves with Rieko Ioane and  Emoni Narawa at the wings.

 Jordie Barrett will team up with Billy Proctor in the centres and Will Jordan is at fullback.

The All Blacks will host South Africa at 7.05pm Saturday at Eden Park.

Meanwhile, the Wallabies will take on Argentina at 4.30pm Saturday at Country Bank Stadium in Queensland.