Dave Rennie faces a major selection headache ahead of the All Blacks’ clash with the Springboks on Saturday, with injuries creating uncertainty in several key positions.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
The first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour takes place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, where Rennie must make some big calls as he looks to name a side capable of matching the world champions on home soil.
15 Damian McKenzie
Everything depends on McKenzie’s fitness. Assuming his ankle issue is minor enough for him to feature, he is the clear first-choice fullback available to the All Blacks.
Rennie has expressed concerns over his availability, although that could simply be an attempt to keep the Springboks guessing over his selection.
14 Will Jordan
The same applies to Jordan. If fit, he starts. His injury situation appears less concerning than McKenzie’s, with Rennie confirming that he has returned to training.
The winger is the best option in his position within the squad and one of the best in the world, so there is little doubt he will be selected if available.
13 Quinn Tupaea
Tupaea has been one of the squad’s form players, while Billy Proctor’s injury has further strengthened his case. Based on current form, there is little genuine competition for the outside centre shirt, making Tupaea the obvious choice to start.
12 Jordie Barrett
Barrett is another straightforward selection based on his form. He was excellent against the Sharks in midweek, building on an impressive season at both club and international level. His experience will also be invaluable in a Test of this magnitude.
11 Josh Moorby
The battle between Leroy Carter and Moorby for the left wing is one of the closest calls in the backline. Both could ultimately start if Jordan is unavailable, but Moorby gets the nod after an excellent year. His 17 Super Rugby tries underline his form, while he has also impressed on tour.
10 Ruben Love
Love has made the number 10 shirt his own in recent weeks. The Hurricanes star has outperformed his competition, with Beauden Barrett not doing enough to justify displacing him and Richie Mo’unga not yet in consideration for the first Test.
Even with Mo’unga now around the squad, Love is the man in form and deserves the opportunity.
9 Cam Roigard
Roigard is another selection that depends entirely on fitness. Like Jordan, he has returned to training but has not featured heavily on tour.
When fit, he is the clear first-choice scrum-half, so if he is available, he should start. Cortez Ratima has performed well on tour but looks to be injured, meaning Kyle Preston may be the second option.
