All Blacks: Savea to bring up special milestone as Razor rings changes

Ardie Savea will celebrate his 100th Test for the All Blacks in the No.7 jersey against the Springboks at Eden Park on Saturday.

That was a predictable selection for head coach Scott Robertson but there are big changes elsewhere, with Emoni Narawa named on the right wing ahead of Sevu Reece and Simon Parker starting at blindside flanker in only his second Test.

Parker’s selection moves Tupou Vaa’i to the second row alongside skipper Scott Barrett, with lock Fabian Holland who has started all five Tests this year, named on the bench.

Billy Proctor retains his place at centre, with Rieko Ioane remaining on the left wing. Fullback Will Jordan also stays.

The uncapped Kyle Preston has been named on the bench as halfback cover for Finlay Christie following the injuries to Cam Roigard, Noah Hotham and Cortez Ratima.

There are more intriguing selections in the front row, with Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell retaining their places as the starting props despite the return to fitness of Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax.

There is no place for Leicester Fainga’anuku, with Quinn Tupaea and Damian McKenzie the backline cover along with Preston.

Savea will be the 15th All Blacks centurion. Codie Taylor celebrated his 100th milestone recently in the defeat to the Pumas in Buenos Aires.

“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black,” Robertson said. “He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership, and mana every time he pulls on the jersey. We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day.

“Ardie is one of three centurions in the match day 23 to play South Africa, while Kyle Preston is joined by three other players who have debuted for the All Blacks this year.

"As with all of our debutants, we know that Kyle will rise to the challenge in the black jersey. He is a skilful player who has proven his ability to drive a game and make smart decisions in pressure moments.”

at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 7.05pm:

All Blacks match-day 23 (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)

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1. Ethan de Groot (34), 2. Codie Taylor (100), 3. Fletcher Newell (27), 4. Scott Barrett (83), (captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i (42), 6. Simon Parker (1), 7. Ardie Savea (99) (Vice-Captain), 8. Wallace Sititi (11), 9. Finlay Christie (25), 10. Beauden Barrett (138), 11. Rieko Ioane (85), 12. Jordie Barrett (73) (vice-captain), 13. Billy Proctor (6), 14. Emoni Narawa (3), 15. Will Jordan (46).

Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (35), 17. Tamaiti Williams (19), 18. Tyrel Lomax (45), 19. Fabian Holland (5), 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (4), 21. Kyle Preston*, 22. Quinn Tupaea (17), 23. Damian McKenzie (66)