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New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has named an experienced XV to face the World Champion Springboks on Friday in London at Twickenham.
New Zealand head coach Ian Foster has named an experienced XV to face the World Champion Springboks on Friday in London at Twickenham.
The talismanic Sam Cane leads the All Blacks, who boast a matchday 23 sporting over 1000 tests of experience. The starting forward pack - featuring the likes of Sam Whitelock, Dane Coles and Ardie Savea - has over 500 test caps alone. Luke Jacobson gets his first start at flank for the year.
The effervescent Aaron Smith starts at nine, feeding Richie Mo'unga and Jordie Barrett. Prolific try-scorer Will Jordan is on the right wing.
"This is our final game before the World Cup and this test is critical in our preparation," said Foster, who opted for a 6-3 split on the bench.
"With just two weeks to go, it's an important opportunity to get us battle-ready for the start of the tournament.
"These games are always intense and physically challenging, and I'm sure this one will be no different."
New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Reiko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Telea, 10 Richie Mo'unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Luke Jacobson, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Scott Barrett, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Ethan de Groot.Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Tupou Vaa'i, 20 Josh Lord, 21 Dalton Papali'i, 22 Cam Roigard, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown
Date: Friday, August 25Venue: Twickenham Stadium, LondonKick-off: 19:30 (20:30 SA time)Referee: Matthew Carley (England)Assistant referees: Christophe Ridley (England), Craig Evans (Wales)TMO: Tom Foley (England)
