All Blacks team to face Springboks: Beauden Barrett dropped for 1st Test

Barrett drops out of the squad following appearences in the pre-test series matches against South Africa's club sides, and has been replaced by a returning Damian McKenzie at full-back. Cam Roigard is handed his first appearance of the tour, with the Hurricanes man staring at scrum half.

Will Jordan also returns to the squad, following an injury stand down for the wing. There is also no place in the squad for Richie Mo'unga, despite the speculation of a first All Blacks cap since the 2023 Rugby World Cup.

Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks in his 110th Test, while Codie Taylor will also reach the 110-cap milestone. The pair have been named alongside a starting XV containing a blend of established All Blacks and players experiencing their first taste of the rivalry.

New Zealand will face the world champions at 10bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, August 22, with kick-off at 5.10pm local time (3.10am Sunday NZT).

Roigard will start at scrumhalf after missing the All Blacks' opening three tour matches, linking up with Ruben Love in the halves. The 20-cap halfback will be making his first appearance on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, while Will Jordan also returns to the starting XV on the right wing.

Damian McKenzie has recovered from injury to start at fullback. Savea will make his first appearance of the tour and will lead the side from No.8, with Luke Jacobson and Tupou Vaa’i completing the loose forward and lock combinations alongside Ardie.

There is also a major milestone for Taylor, who will win his 110th Test at hooker. Anton Segner and Josh Moorby will both face South Africa for the first time. Head coach Dave Rennie believes the three franchise matches played in South Africa have given his squad valuable preparation for the step up to Test rugby.

“After all the build up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway,” Rennie said.

“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.

“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play.

“We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We’re 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.”

New Zealand and South Africa have met 110 times, with the All Blacks winning 63, the Springboks 43 and four matches ending in draws. Their first meeting came in 1921 at Carisbrook in Dunedin, where New Zealand claimed a 13-5 victory.

The most recent encounter went emphatically in South Africa's favour, with the Springboks defeating the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington last year. Ellis Park has hosted the rivalry 16 times, with South Africa winning 10 and New Zealand six.

This year's Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series will be the 13th Test series between the nations. The series ledger is currently tied at five wins apiece, with the opening two series in 1921 and 1928 both ending in draws.