The All Blacks are mixing experience with experimentation for Saturday's Rugby Championship clash with the Springboks in Wellington with both Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga named to start.
It's not the first time coach Steve Hansen has opted for a dual playmaker system in the backline having implemented the system last year with Barrett and Damian McKenzie.
Barrett will don the No.15 jersey this Saturday, leaving Mo'unga to pair up with TJ Perenara in the halves.
🚨 ICYMI | Here is the matchday 23 to take on the @Springboks.#BACKBLACK pic.twitter.com/VpIP8dHEkW
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 24, 2019
The adjustment sees regular fullback Ben Smith move to the right wing while Rieko Ioane slots in for Jordie Barrett, who drops out of the 23‑man squad altogether after a tough performance against the Pumas in last week's 20‑16 win in Buenos Aires.
🗣️ 'The boys are itching to go' - Matt Todd sets the scene ahead of this weekend's blockbuster Test against South Africa.#NZLvRSA #BACKBLACK pic.twitter.com/wdncLfnv8N
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) July 23, 2019
Sonny Bill Williams also returns to the side starting at second‑five.
In the forwards, an injection of experience has been given to the front row with Crusaders contingent Joe Moody, Codie Taylor and Owen Franks all set to start.
The All Blacks face South Africa at 7:35pm Saturday in New Zealand.
All Blacks: 1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Owen Franks, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Matt Todd, 8. Kieran Read ‑ captain, 9. TJ Perenara, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. Sonny Bill Williams, 13. Jack Goodhue, 14. Ben Smith, 15. Beauden Barrett
Reserves: 16. Dane Coles, 17. Ofa Tuungafasi, 18. Angus Ta’avao, 19. Vaea Fifita, 20. Dalton Papalii, 21. Aaron Smith, 22. Anton Lienert‑Brown, 23. George Bridge.
TVNZ
