New Zealand start Carter against the Boks

The All Black selectors have named their team to play South Africa at Wellington’s Sky Stadium for Round 4 of The Rugby Championship.

The All Blacks will cap their ninth debutant of 2025 when former Sevens star Leroy Carter takes his place on the left wing this Saturday night. The Chiefs and Bay of Plenty utility back is no stranger to international rugby, having played over 100 games for the All Black Sevens including at the 2022 Commonwealth Games and 2024 Olympics.

Will Jordan will start on the right wing that he occupied for much of last week’s Eden Park test after Emoni Narawa left the field injured, while Damian McKenzie slots into fullback to complete the back three. This creates space on the bench for Ruben Love, who will look to add to his two All Blacks caps.

Halfback Noah Hotham has returned from injury to make the starting 15, with Finlay Christie providing cover.

With Codie Taylor on concussion stand-down, Samisoni Taukei’aho will start at hooker and Brodie McAlister comes on to the bench.

The only other change to the team that beat South Africa last weekend is a swap between props Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell, with Lomax starting this week.

All Black head coach Scott Robertson said the team has prepared well in Wellington for what will be a huge encounter against their much-respected rivals.

“It is an awesome opportunity to face South Africa in front of a sell-out home crowd for a second week in a row. Every Test match has its own story line and this one will be another passionate battle.

“We are excited to inject Leroy into the backline this week and watch what he creates with his speed and skillset. He has trained hard and put himself into the position where he is ready to perform on Saturday night. It is a special occasion for him and his family.”

New Zealand v South Africa at Sky Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand - 9.05am (SAST)

Referee: Nika Amashukeli (GRU)

Assistant Referees: Angus Gardner (RA), Jordan Way (RA)

Television Match Official: Eric Gauzins (FFR)

Split Screen/FPRO: Brett Cronan (RA)

All Black starting XV: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter; 10 Beaden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham; 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker; 5 Tupou Vaa'i, 4 Scott Barrett (capt); 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot. Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.

Springbok starting XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach; 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (capt); 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager; 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche. Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.