The All Blacks selectors have made two further key changes for the second Test against the Springboks this weekend despite injuries ruling out Caleb Clarke and Ethan Blackadder, two of the team’s best during their defeat at Ellis Park.
The disruption presented by wing Clarke’s back injury and loose forward Blackadder’s tight hamstring hasn't stopped head coach Scott Robertson from naming Will Jordan at fullback instead of Beauden Barrett, with rookie halfback Cortez Ratima replacing TJ Perenara.
Another rookie, Wallace Sititi, will replace Blackadder in the No.6 jersey, with Mark Tele’a named on the left wing.
Sevu Reece will start on the right wing, with Barrett named on the bench – not a huge surprise given the relative lack of impact provided by the reserves last weekend in the 31-27 defeat, but intriguing nevertheless given the forced withdrawal of Clarke and Blackadder.
Sititi has played only two Tests, with Ratima on five.
A statement provided by the All Blacks this afternoon said Clarke suffered his back issue during the Test at Ellis Park. All Blacks assistant coaches Jason Ryan and Scott Hansen both gave their team a clean bill of health on separate occasions earlier in the week.
Blackadder picked up his problem during training.
Luke Jacobson has been named as loose forward cover, with Samipeni Finau, who gave away a penalty after coming on last weekend and struggled to get into the game, dropped from the squad.
Looking for impact from the bench
Robertson clearly hopes the experienced Perenara and Barrett can provide greater impact off the bench, saying: “TJ and Beauden will add significant experience and leadership when they run out and the 23 selected will put in a performance our fans both here in Cape Town and at home in New Zealand will be proud of.”
He added: “It’s been great to feel the support in Cape Town this week and we’re looking forward to playing in a city with a rich rugby history and deep support for the All Blacks."
The selection of Jordan in the No.15 jersey will be designed to get one of the best strike weapons in the game involved more.
Jordan struggled to find space with the ball last weekend, although he did provide a key link role for the first of Clarke’s two tries.
The absence of Clarke and Blackadder could be keenly felt as the Boks go for the victory which will wrest the Freedom Cup from New Zealand for the first time since 2010.
The Blues No.11 was excellent under the high ball at Ellis Park – an area the home side will inevitably target against the shorter Reece.
And Blackadder’s workrate, especially on defence, was exceptional and will be difficult to replicate.
All Blacks team to play South Africa
Cape Town Stadium, kick-off 3am Sunday NZT
1. Tamaiti Williams, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Wallace Sititi, 7. Sam Cane, 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Damian McKenzie, 11. Mark Tele'a, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Will Jordan.
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Ofa Tu'ungafasi, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Sam Darry, 20. Luke Jacobson, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Beauden Barrett.
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