By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
The All Blacks have unveiled a reshuffled line-up for Saturday’s clash with the Springboks at Eden Park, a Test dripping with history, rivalry, and emotion as Ardie Savea runs out for his 100th cap.
The biggest talking point is the selection of Simon Parker at blindside flanker for just his second Test. Parker impressed in Buenos Aires with his work rate and physicality and now faces the sternest challenge in world rugby.
“Simon was close to topping the tackle count on debut,” said defence coach Tamati Ellison.
“He enjoys the contact; he’s heavy, with heavy shoulders. Against South Africa, that’s exactly what you want.”
Head coach Scott Robertson echoed that faith: “We knew he was going to be six for us at some stage this year. His fitness and form made the call easy. He loves the collisions, and against the Boks, that’s non-negotiable.”
Parker’s promotion pushes Tupou Vaa’i back into the second row alongside captain Scott Barrett, while rookie Fabian Holland moves to the bench. Wallace Sititi makes his first start of the season at No.8, with Savea shifting to openside for his milestone appearance.
The backline remains largely unchanged, though Rieko Ioane’s continued selection on the wing has divided opinion like few other calls. Some supporters have labelled it a “joke” and a “last chance saloon” for a player they feel has failed to deliver in recent seasons.
“Can”t believe what I’m reading,” one fan fumed. “Rieko has always struggled, can’t pass, loses the ball every time he’s tackled. The selectors should just pick the Chiefs’ backline and stop wasting time.” Another didn’t hold back: “If the All Blacks lose and Rieko plays poorly; he has to go. This is his last-last chance. End of story.”
Even Will Jordan, usually one of New Zealand’s most reliable performers, came under fire after a quiet outing against Argentina. “What a joke,” one supporter posted. “Jordan couldn’t do anything right and still stays.”
Robertson, however, isn’t flinching: “We’re building combinations and depth, but Rieko brings defensive solidity and experience. He’s been training well, he’s excited, and Eden Park is the stage to deliver.”
The All Blacks bench features serious firepower, with Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax forming a heavyweight front-row trio. Fabian Holland offers impact at lock, Du’Plessis Kirifi brings loose-forward energy, and in the backs Damian McKenzie and Quinn Tupaea are joined by uncapped halfback Kyle Preston.
Robertson stressed the importance of his finishers: “The bench has to bring flexibility and finish strong. Fabian’s had five starts already, and now he gets to come on and use that size when it matters.”
For Savea, Saturday’s Test is personal as well as historic. A centurion of consistency and passion, he epitomises the fight the All Blacks will need against their fiercest rivals.
The Springboks arrive brimming with confidence and intent, but Eden Park has long been a fortress for New Zealand rugby. With bold selections made, loyal calls backed, and critics circling, the All Blacks have only one way to answer: on the field.
All Blacks team to play South Africa (Saturday, Eden Park):
1.Ethan de Groot; 2. Codie Taylor; 3. Fletcher Newell; 4. Scott Barrett (c); 5. Tupou Vaa’i; 6. Simon Parker; 7. Ardie Savea (vc, 100th Test); 8. Wallace Sititi; 9. Finlay Christie; 10. Beauden Barrett; 11. Rieko Ioane; 12. Jordie Barrett; 13. Billy Proctor; 14. Emoni Narawa; 15. Will Jordan.
Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Fabian Holland, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Kyle Preston*, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie.