All Blacks Lineup Changes
Richie Mo’unga returns and Codie Taylor captains All Blacks for series finale against South Africa
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Key Points
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Ruben Love has been left out of the matchday 23 altogether, with Beauden Barrett named as the backup flyhalf. Coach Dave Rennie said Love had “gone really well” and that trusting him to start the previous Test showed how highly the team regarded him.
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Codie Taylor’s return as captain also reshapes the hooker selection: Asafo Aumua moves to the bench and Samisoni Taukei’aho drops out of the matchday squad after starting last week’s defeat.
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Ethan Blackadder is set to make his first Test start since August 2024, while Wallace Sititi remains among the replacements despite his strong performance in Savea’s absence during the third Test.
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The selection changes were prompted by a range of specific availability issues: Luke Jacobson was ruled out with an elbow injury, Ethan de Groot returned after concussion, and Fabian Holland was unavailable because of illness.
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Rennie said Mo’unga’s selection was not dependent on the series result: “We’re keen to give Richie a crack, and he’s prepared really well this week.” He also described Taylor as the tour captain whose leadership and experience made his return logical after the injury losses.
New Zealand recalled flyhalf Richie Mo'unga for his first Test since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, bringing him in to start Saturday's series finale against South Africa in Baltimore. Talking Rugby Union reported that Codie Taylor returns as captain after injuries to key players forced wholesale changes across the All Blacks lineup.
The Springboks lead the three-match series 2-1 after a 29-24 win in Johannesburg last week. Coach Dave Rennie said Mo'unga's selection was planned regardless of the series score: "We're keen to give Richie a crack, and he's prepared really well this week," Planet Rugby reported.
Mo'unga Returns After Three-Year Absence
Mo'unga replaces Ruben Love at flyhalf after missing nearly three years of Test rugby. Love will not appear on the matchday 23 at all, with Beauden Barrett named as backup. Read Rugby Union noted that Rennie praised Love's earlier performances, saying he "gone really well" during his time starting.
The Mo'unga move signals a tactical shift for Rennie's squad. Planet Rugby reported that the selection reflects New Zealand's intent to inject new energy into the backline for the decisive fourth Test against the defending world champions.
Taylor Captaincy Reshapes Forward Pack and Hooker Line
Codie Taylor's return as captain also changes the hooker position. Asafo Aumua drops to the bench while Samisoni Taukei'aho exits the matchday squad entirely after starting last week's loss. Read Rugby Union reported that Taylor's leadership and experience made his return logical given the recent injury losses to key forwards.
The front row sees significant change with Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell returning. Luke Jacobson was ruled out with an elbow injury. Planet Rugby noted that the selection reflects the wide range of availability issues affecting Rennie's squad heading into the series finale.
Blackadder Gets Chance After Ardie Savea Injury
Ethan Blackadder will make his first Test start since August 2024 after Ardie Savea's injury sidelined the captain. Peter Lakai moves to No. 8 while Ethan Blackadder enters the back row. Talking Rugby Union reported that Wallace Sititi remains on the bench despite his strong performance filling in for Savea last week.
The backline also rotates with Anton Lienert-Brown and Josh Moorby coming in. Patrick Tuipulotu joins Sam Darry in the second row. These changes create a noticeably different attacking shape for Saturday's winner-take-all match in Baltimore.
Series Decider Comes After Johannesburg Defeat
South Africa holds a 2-1 series lead after beating New Zealand 29-24 in Johannesburg. The All Blacks must win Saturday to force a decider or tie the series. Planet Rugby noted that Rennie's selections represent a final push to level the Greatest Rivalry series before the tour concludes.
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