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All Blacks replace Tuipulotu with Holland for Springboks Test / Photo: © AFP
All Blacks replace Tuipulotu with Holland for Springboks Test
New Zealand have made one change to the team that beat Ireland last month for the first of four Tests against world champions South Africa on Saturday in Johannesburg.
Lock Fabian Holland comes into the starting XV in place of Patrick Tuipulotu, who captained the All Blacks to victory over the Stormers franchise in the first warm-up match.
Captain and No 8 Ardie Savea makes his first appearance of the tour after resting while New Zealand beat three South African franchises ahead of the first Test.
Full-back Damian McKenzie, wing Will Jordan and scrum-half Cam Roigard have all passed fitness tests and will start at Ellis Park.
There are three changes to the bench from the 40-21 Nations Championship victory over Ireland in Auckland with prop George Bower, scrum-half Kyle Preston and wing Leroy Carter promoted.
The trio replace Xavier Numia, Cortez Ratima and Caleb Clarke, one of four All Blacks forced to return home due to injuries.
"After all the build-up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway," said head coach Dave Rennie.
"We have selected a balanced mix of big match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first Test.
"We are well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear.
"They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday."
The other Tests are set for Cape Town on August 29, Soccer City stadium in Johannesburg on September 5 and American city Baltimore on September 12.
After a lengthy spell of All Blacks dominance in the 105-year rivalry, the Springboks have turned the tide, winning five of the last six Tests between the rivals.
New Zealand (15-1)
Damian McKenzie; Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Josh Moorby; Ruben Love, Cam Roigard; Ardie Savea (capt), Luke Jacobson, Tupou Vaa'i; Fabian Holland, Josh Lord; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Leroy Carter
Coach: Dave Rennie (NZL)
D. Meier--BTZ
