Springboks v All Blacks: Predicted line-up as Scott Robertson turns to ‘experienced heads’

Louis Chapman Coombe
New Zealand captain Sam Cane walk out past the Webb Ellis Cup before the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France.

New Zealand captain Sam Cane walk out past the Webb Ellis Cup before the Rugby World Cup 2023 final match at the Stade de France in Paris, France.

The All Blacks’ Rugby Championship title defence is back on track, but they have their toughest challenge coming over the horizon in the Springboks.

New Zealand have struggled against their arch-rivals in recent outings, losing three of their past five fixtures – including the recent Rugby World Cup final in Paris.

Scott Robertson‘s charges therefore face the back-to-back world champions with a huge point to prove. They haven’t looked particularly fluid since the ex-Crusaders boss took the reins, but appeared a lot more settled in their huge 42-10 win over Los Pumas last weekend at Eden Park.

In an attempt to turn the tide against the Springboks, Razor could look to the more experienced heads within his squad, including former skipper Sam Cane after his decent return to the side last weekend.

Here is a look at a possible All Blacks XV for their vital Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks.

Predicted New Zealand team v South Africa team

15 Beauden Barrett

Beauden Barrett should retain his spot at full-back, but he will be wanting to recapture his impressive form from the England Tests. He is such a dynamic running threat, but his experience at 10 also comes in useful if and when Damian McKenzie needs him to step up.

14 Will Jordan

Returned to good effect last weekend, and will look to have the same impact again this time out. Jordan is such a deadly weapon out wide for the All Blacks, and currently boasts a 100% (yes, 100%) strike record with 33 tries in 33 games for his country. With the expansive style McKenzie likes to play, Jordan could be New Zealand’s biggest threat.

13 Rieko Ioane

Ioane has been under pressure for his shirt, but he will probably be at 13 against the Springboks. His raw speed and an eye for a gap make him virtually impossible to stop in broken field, however he needs to be put through holes in order to get the best out of him. Ioane is not a crash-ball centre.

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12 Jordie Barrett

Jordie Barrett is just a classy player, and adds plenty of versatility to the back-line. His experience in almost every position in the back division makes him so important to the attack, as he can slot into any hole. His kicking game also relieves the stress from McKenzie too.

11 Mark Tele’a

The ever-impressive Tele’a should return to the All Blacks starting line-up against the Boks. He is a really industrious player who constantly goes looking for work, but his power and strength allow him to have some nice touches through traffic. Combine this with his speed out wide too and you have the all-round package.

10 Damian McKenzie

Looked a lot more comfortable last weekend, which will do him the world of good building into the Springboks clash. He is a real attack-minded player who thrives when given quick ball to play with, so the challenge will be if they can get him this consistently against an aggressive Boks defence.

9 TJ Perenara

An experienced head could be needed to beat the Boks, and Perenara gives the All Blacks exactly that. He was also much improved last time out against Argentina, but this is another step up in terms of opposition.

8 Ardie Savea

The All Blacks number eight is really hitting top form once again, and comes into the Springboks series as New Zealand’s top dog. He is looking even stronger in the tight, coming up with some monumental carries against that Pumas pack and huge tackles to match too. His side will need him to be on song against the Boks.

7 Sam Cane

A bold call, but Cane’s experience could be vital in beating South Africa. His time as skipper showed he is a quality leader, and he also gets stuck into most areas of the game, in particular the breakdown. Cane also comes into this series with a point to prove after his red card in the World Cup final.

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6 Ethan Blackadder

Looked a lot more solid in Test two against Los Pumas, and will be wanting to carry on this upwards trend against South Africa. He made plenty of work for himself, as you would expect, but also added an extra option at the lineout to get this facet firing again.

5 Sam Darry

Has settled in really well to life in the starting side, and should retain his spot again this week. Darry has added some stability to the set-piece, and across the park has really run himself ragged in both Rugby Championship games so far.

4 Scott Barrett

The captain has come back at the perfect time, and should slot straight back into the starting line-up. He adds so much security at the set-piece, and should compliment the workhorse nature of Darry well. Are the All Blacks issues at lock coming to an end?

3 Tyrel Lomax

Potentially one of the form tightheads in the game right now, and will likely keep his spot in the starting side. Minus Test one against Argentina, Lomax has added so much power to the All Blacks scrum, and really allowed them to turn this into their main driver.

2 Codie Taylor

Much improved last time out, and will likely retain his spot in the side. Contributed hugely to their solid set-piece, and importantly got more involved in proceedings around the park too.

1 Tamaiti Williams

With Ethan de Groot ruled out, Williams should keep his spot in the starting side. He had the powerful Pumas pack on toast at scrum-time last weekend, and complimented the attacking nature of Lomax to good effect in this area. Another strong showing could give him the advantage in the battle for the number one shirt.

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