Bower to start in All Blacks Greatest Rivalry tour opener

George Bower has been named to start for the All Blacks in the opening match of their Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa, taking on the Stormers this Saturday.

Bower will start at prop alongside Samisoni Taukei'aho and Pasilio Tosi in the front row.

Prop Siale Lauaki and inside back Josh Jacomb are in line to make their All Blacks debuts, while Patrick Tuipulotu will captain the side in the tour opener.

Coach Dave Rennie has made sweeping changes to the team that defeated Ireland last month, with Ollie Norris, Fabian Holland, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Kyle Preston, Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane all set to play their first match in black this year.

The All Blacks face the Stormers at 5am this Saturday.

They then take on the Sharks next Wednesday at 5am, the Bulls on August 16th at 5am, and the Lions on August 26th at 5am.

The first Test against South Africa will be played on August 23rd at 3am. The second Test follows on August 30th at 3am, the third on September 6th at 3am, and the fourth and final Test on September 13th at 3am.