All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named one of his strongest sides available in preparation for his team's 100th Test match with the Springboks on Saturday in Townsville.
Making mass changes amongst his side, Foster has bolstered his forward pack making six changes within his pack while Beauden Barrett will start his 97th Test in the No.10 jersey, pushing Damian McKenzie back to the bench.
In the starting front row, Foster has recalled Codie Taylor and Nepo Laulala to link with Joe Moody, while Brodie Retallick and Scott Barrett return in the second row producing a highly-experienced pair. The backrow has also received a boost in experience with Akira Ioane slotting in at blindside flanker with captain Ardie Savea in at openside and Luke Jacobson closing out the trio at No.8.
With Richie Mo'unga still unavailable, Barrett has been given the nod to start in the playmaker's position after he came off the bench last week against the Pumas. McKenzie's move to the bench will give the All Blacks another attacking option late in the game.
Jordie Barrett has retained his spot in fullback, alongside Will Jordan and George Bridge on the edges, with TJ Perenara retaining his starting half-back position, while David Havili makes his return to the centres to create a potent combination with Reiko Ioane.
"The whole team is excited at what lies ahead this weekend," Foster said. "The group is working hard, we have been building our performances and we've put ourselves in a great position to win the Rugby Championship and that's really exciting for the team. The fact that it is against South Africa is pretty special."
Expecting a torrid battle up front, Foster has named strong replacements off the bench with props Karl Tu'inukuafe and Ofa Tuungafasi, along with hooker Samisoni Taukei'aho, as front row cover, while Patrick Tuipulotu and Ethan Blackadder are expected to make an impact from the bench.
"It's a tough pack to pick at the moment because there are a lot of players putting their hands up and there were some players who played well last week," Foster said. "But we have got some very good combinations that we have worked on since the start of the Championship. It's great to have experienced players like Joe Moody, Ofa Tuungafasi and Patrick Tuipulotu back. It has given us a great starting pack and a strong bench."
Brad Webber, McKenzie and midfielder Quinn Tupaea round out the replacements.
In their first clash against the Springboks since the 2019 World Cup, the match has extra significance as the fierce rivals' face-off for the 100th time. Despite the excitement leading into the match, Foster said the side wasn't focusing on the history.
"For us, as a team, we're trying to zone in on what we want to do in this game. We are all aware of the history and legacy of this match and respect that, but the only way we can do justice to that is to prepare well and focus on what we have to do.
"We're excited and getting ready for what will be a huge challenge. It will be the first time a number of our guys have played South Africa so they're excited and ready for it," Foster said.
All Blacks: Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan, Reiko Ioane, David Havili, George Bridge, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea, Akira Ioane, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Nepo Laulala, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, Karl Tu'inukuafe, Ofa Tuungafasi, Patrick Tuipulotu, Ethan Blackadder, Brad Weber, Damian McKenzie, Quinn Tupaea.