It is the only starting change from the side who roared away late to a 57-22 win over Argentina in Hamilton last week, extending the unbeaten All Blacks’ lead in the Rugby Championship.
Advertisement
Despite suggesting the possibility to the contrary last Sunday, Steve Hansen has chosen Ardie Savea to make his run-on test debut in place of Sam Cane against the Springboks, with Matt Todd added to the reserves.
Savea’s first test start had been expected after impressive performances off the bench this season, though Hansen had hinted earlier this week that his elevation to the role was far from automatic.
His promotion creates room on the reserves bench for three-Test flanker Matt Todd, called into the squad when Cane was diagnosed. Center Damian de Allende has also been named on the bench ahead of Lionel Mapoe.
Coetzee has again opted for a six-two split in favour of the forwards on the bench, which sees French-based Willem Alberts getting a surprise call-up as a utility forward who can fill in at lock or loose forward, with Rudy Paige again missing out as a specialist scrumhalf reserve due to Francois Hougaard’s ability to cover Faf de Klerk.
New Zealand look to extend their already huge lead at the top of The Rugby Championships ladder when they play host to South Africa on Saturday night.
Coetzee said the decision to bring in Marx after Bongi Mbonambi had been the preferred back-up hooker is part of his long-term planning.
“Each match between these two traditional rugby rivals is always tough, no matter what the circumstances are, and Saturday’s test is bound to be another tremendous battle”, Springboks coach Allister Coetzee said.
Francois Louw will play his 50th Test for the Springboks against an All Blacks side aiming to make it four wins out of four.
Coetzee’s comments were echoed by Hansen who said the All Blacks “respect South Africa immensely”.
“We know they’ll be hurting and desperate to get a result after their loss on the weekend”. “Therefore, our personal preparation this week will have to be at the highest level – bone deep with real clarity”.
“We’ve worked hard this week on improving in the areas we felt weren’t good enough last weekend”.
” As a group we know where we have to improve‚ and that’s where the focus is at this moment”, said Coetzee.
Team: 15-Ben Smith, 14-Israel Dagg, 13-Malakai Fekitoa, 12-Ryan Crotty, 11-Julian Savea, 10-Beauden Barrett, 9-Aaron Smith, 8-Kieran Read (captain), 7-Ardie Savea, 6-Jerome Kaino, 5-Sam Whitelock, 4-Brodie Retallick, 3-Owen Franks, 2-Dane Coles, 1-Joe Moody.
Advertisement
Pieter-Steph du Toit will help the Springboks try to outclass the All Blacks.
