All Blacks Make Three Changes for Springboks Test Two
By Theo BrennanAll Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has made three alterations to his starting lineup for the second Test against the Springboks, with Leroy Carter and George Bower earning starts. The changes reflect Rennie’s stated intent to foster competition within the squad following their initial 33-16 victory last weekend and a 41-35 win over the Lions earlier in the week.
The New Zealand side remains undefeated on South African soil during this tour, leading the Test series 1-0 heading into the Cape Town match. This sustained performance showcases All Blacks impress Mexted, Rennie’s tenure starts strong in the early stages of Dave Rennie's coaching tenure.
Backline Adjustments and Midfield Consistency
In the backline, Rennie’s sole change sees Leroy Carter promoted to the wing, with Josh Moorby shifting to the bench. Damian McKenzie retains his starting position at fullback, while Will Jordan joins Carter on the opposite wing. The influential pairing of Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett will continue in the midfield, a combination that proved effective in the first Test.
Ruben Love and Cam Roigard maintain their roles in the halves, providing continuity in the crucial playmaking positions. Planet Rugby reports that former All Blacks scrum-half Justin Marshall lauded Jordie Barrett’s critical contributions, describing them as “micro moments” that swayed the previous match in New Zealand’s favor.
Forward Pack Rotations and Leadership
Ardie Savea will once again captain the All Blacks from number eight, anchoring the back-row alongside Luke Jacobson. Simon Parker earns a start at blindside flanker, with Tupou Vaa’i moving to lock to partner Fabian Holland. This shift sees Josh Lord move out of the starting XV.
The front-row sees one change, with George Bower coming in for Ethan de Groot. Tyrel Lomax and Codie Taylor retain their starting berths, providing stability in the scrum. Planet Rugby notes these forward rotations are part of a broader strategy to manage player load and assess depth.
Bench Additions and Squad Depth
Rennie has opted for a 5:3 split on the bench, maintaining a strong forward presence. Asafo Aumua, Fletcher Newell, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, and Anton Lienert-Brown all retain their places from the previous match. Xavier Numia and Patrick Tuipulotu join the replacements, with both players having featured in the mid-week game against the Lions, according to Planet Rugby’s reporting.
Head coach Rennie expressed satisfaction with the initial win but emphasized the expectation for both teams to improve in the second Test. “We’ve played four Tests this year and are still growing as a group,” Rennie stated, as Planet Rugby quoted him saying. He also highlighted the positive competition for places and the squad’s overall performance during the South African leg of the tour, a key aspect of world rugby coverage.
MLR Draft News
In separate rugby news, Old Glory DC has selected loose forward Logan Ballinger with the first pick in the 2026 Major League Rugby College Draft. RugbyPass reported Old Glory DC’s first draft pick, indicating a strategic move to bolster their squad with a hard-working player for the domestic league.