Leroy Carter will make his Test debut for the All Blacks against South Africa in Wellington on Saturday.
Carter's selection on the left wing, as signalled yesterday by 1News, is easily the biggest surprise of the past fortnight in terms of head coach Scott Robertson's decision-making.
Emoni Narawa's injury during the 24-17 first-Test victory over the Boks at Eden Park last weekend has opened the door for Carter, the former New Zealand sevens specialist, and it comes at the expense of Rieko Ioane, the former left wing incumbent.
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It signals, too, the further slide in the wing rankings of Sevu Reece, who has been released to play for Southland this weekend. Another option, Leicester Fainga'anuku, has been released to play for Tasman.
Will Jordan will wear the No.14 jersey at the Cake Tin, with Damian McKenzie, on early at fullback as a replacement for Narawa last weekend, set to wear the No.15 jersey.
Carter, one of the quickest rugby players in the country, will be expected to bring energy to the All Blacks' backline via his chasing and defence. He is also excellent over the ball, as demonstrated time again for the Chiefs this season.
Ioane, who has struggled to make the transition from the midfield back to the left wing, was solid at Eden Park last weekend and was involved in a try-saving tackle, but has failed to consistently bring the attacking spark he was renowned for when he burst on to the Test scene as a 19-year-old.
In another significant change, Noah Hotham will start at halfback after recovering from an ankle sprain that has sidelined him since the French series.
Finlay Christie, who started at Eden Park, has been named on the bench. While Christie has been excellent defensively for the All Blacks, the return of Hotham, their second-ranked halfback behind the still injured Cam Roigard, will add a new attacking edge.
In another change, Tyrel Lomax, on the bench last weekend, starts at tighthead prop.
Ruben Love has been named on the bench as outside back cover.
With hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho predictably starting for the injured Codie Taylor, the rest of Robertson's line-up remains the same, with Simon Parker again starting at blindside flanker and the excellent Tupou Vaa'i at lock.
All Blacks team to play Springboks
In Wellington on Saturday, kick-off 7.05pm
Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant
1. Ethan de Groot (35), 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (36), 3. Tyrel Lomax (46), 4. Scott Barrett (84), (Captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i (43), 6. Simon Parker (2), 7. Ardie Savea (100) (Vice-Captain), 8. Wallace Sititi (12), 9. Noah Hotham (2), 10. Beauden Barrett (139), 11. Leroy Carter*, 12. Jordie Barrett (74) (Vice-Captain), 13. Billy Proctor (7), 14. Will Jordan (47), 15. Damian McKenzie (67).
Reserves: 16. Brodie McAlister (1), 17. Tamaiti Williams (20), 18. Fletcher Newell (28), 19. Fabian Holland (6), 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (5), 21. Finlay Christie (26), 22. Quinn Tupaea (18), 23. Ruben Love (2).
Unavailable for selection: Emoni Narawa (rib fracture), Codie Taylor (concussion), Patrick Tuipulotu (minor facial fracture), Cortez Ratima (rib fracture), Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius), Cam Roigard (foot stress fracture)
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