The All Blacks have made a significant selection shake-up ahead of their crucial third Test against South Africa, with veteran hooker Codie Taylor dropped from the match-day squad as New Zealand looks to regain control of the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Head coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting XV for Saturday’s showdown at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with Asafo Aumua promoted to the starting hooker position.
Taylor, who has earned 111 Test caps for New Zealand, is not included in the 23-man squad. Samisoni Taukei’aho moves onto the bench as the All Blacks look for greater impact from their replacements.
The selection comes after South Africa fought back from its opening-Test defeat to beat New Zealand 33-26 in Cape Town last weekend, leveling the four-match series at 1-1. The result means the third Test carries enormous significance: the winner will move within one victory of claiming the series, while the loser will be unable to win the overall contest.
Three changes — and a major call at hooker
Aumua will wear the No. 2 jersey, replacing Taylor, while Taukei’aho provides experience from the bench.
The second change comes in the locks, where Sam Darry returns to the starting XV alongside Tupou Vaa’i. Fabian Holland, who started the opening two Tests, drops to the replacements.
The third change is at blindside flanker, with Peter Lakai coming into the starting lineup in place of Simon Parker. Wallace Sititi returns to the match-day squad on the bench.
The All Blacks’ backline remains unchanged from the second Test.
Damian McKenzie starts at fullback, with Will Jordan and Leroy Carter on the wings. Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea continue in midfield, while Ruben Love and Cam Roigard retain the halves positions.
Ardie Savea again captains the side from No. 8, with Luke Jacobson and Lakai completing the loose trio.
Why the changes matter
The selection appears designed to freshen up a forward pack that faced enormous pressure from the Springboks in Cape Town.
New Zealand’s forwards will need to withstand South Africa’s physical challenge while also improving their set-piece execution. New Zealand coverage has highlighted the importance of Darry’s inclusion, particularly with the All Blacks needing greater stability in the lineout and scrum.
The decision to leave Taylor out is arguably the biggest talking point.
At 111 Tests, Taylor is one of the most experienced players in the New Zealand squad. His omission therefore represents a major selection decision rather than a routine rotation, although the All Blacks have opted to give Aumua the starting opportunity while retaining Taukei’aho as an experienced replacement.
South Africa holds the momentum after Cape Town
The Springboks enter the third Test with confidence after their 33-26 victory in Cape Town.
South Africa had lost the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park, but responded strongly in the second encounter to level the series. The Springboks’ physicality, defensive pressure and ability to capitalize on New Zealand’s early mistakes proved decisive.
South Africa has also kept changes to a minimum for the third Test. Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made only one change to his match-day squad, an enforced adjustment, signaling his confidence in the group that produced the comeback victory.
That sets up a fascinating contrast: while Erasmus has largely maintained continuity, Rennie has chosen to make three changes to his starting lineup.
The stakes could hardly be higher
Saturday’s match at FNB Stadium is effectively a series-defining encounter.
With the series tied 1-1, the winner of the third Test will take a 2-1 lead with only one match remaining. The fourth and final Test is scheduled for Baltimore, United States, on September 12.
The All Blacks will also enter the Johannesburg clash knowing that South Africa has historically been an extremely difficult opponent on home soil.
Yet New Zealand has already demonstrated that it can challenge the Springboks’ defense, scoring freely during the opening two Tests. The question now is whether Rennie’s changes can give the All Blacks enough control up front to turn that attacking threat into a decisive victory.
For Taylor, meanwhile, the biggest question is whether this is simply a strategic rest or the beginning of a significant change in the All Blacks’ hooker hierarchy.
Either way, dropping a 111-cap veteran before a Test of this magnitude has guaranteed that the selection itself will be one of the biggest talking points when the All Blacks and Springboks meet again.
WWC ONE MEDIA MJE
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