Dave Rennie makes key changes for All Blacks' third Test against Boks

By SABC Sport
3rd September 2026

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named his team for Saturday's third Test against the Springboks, handing flanker Peter Lakai his first start of the Greatest Rivalry series.

Lakai came off the bench in the opening two Tests but now gets his chance at blindside flank, with Simon Parker left out of the matchday 23.

Luke Jacobson retains the No 6 jersey despite battling flu in the build-up, while Wallace Sititi drops to the bench alongside Fabian Holland.

Chiefs lock Tupou Vaa'i will earn his 50th cap, while there is still no place for Josh Lord or Ethan de Groot after the clash of heads they suffered at Ellis Park, meaning Sam Darry finally gets another opportunity alongside Vaa'i in the second row.

George Bower retains his place at loosehead prop, with Tyrel Lomax again starting at tighthead. There is a change at hooker, however, with Asafo Aumua handed a start as Codie Taylor is rested. Samisoni Taukei'aho provides the impact option from the bench.

Ardie Savea continues as captain from No 8 and forms the back-row combination with Lakai and Jacobson, while Cam Roigard retains the scrumhalf role.

Ruben Love keeps the No 10 jersey, with Rennie again opting against bringing Richie Mo'unga into the squad.

The rest of the backline is also unchanged, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea combining in the midfield, while Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan and Leroy Carter make up the back three.

"Tupes is a top man. It'll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us," the head coach said. "With both teams heading into the third Test one apiece, there's everything to play for on Saturday.

"The team that doesn't win this weekend can't win the series. That's the kind of challenge we love to rise to. The team is feeling fresh after a full week's lead-in to the game, and we can't wait to put everything out on the park."

All Blacks - 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa'i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 George Bower.

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.