Fly‑half Lima Sopoaga and lock James Broadhurst will make their All Blacks debut in Sunday’s Rugby Championship game against South Africa in Johannesburg.
With Aaron Cruden likely to miss the World Cup because of a knee injury and Dan Carter rested, Sopoaga will have a chance to fight for a spot in the World Cup squad ahead of Colin Slade who has been listed in the bench.
Ben Smith comes in for Waisake Naholo while Liam Messam replaces Jerome Kaino at blindside flanker and Dane Coles gets a start at hooker in place of Kevin Mealamu.
The last time the All Blacks met the Springboks at Ellis Park they lost 27-25.
The All Blacks will meet the Springboks at 3.05am Sunday while the Pumas will host the Wallabies at 10.40am Sunday.
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma’a Nonu, 11 Charles Piutau, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 Aaron Smith, 1 Tony Woodcock, 2 Dane Coles, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Brodie Retallick, 5 James Broadhurst, 6 Liam Messam, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 8 Kieran Read.
Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Ben Franks, 19 Sam Whitelock, 20 Victor Vito, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Beauden Barrett, 23 Malakai Fekitoa.
Source: Skysports
