Thursday 2 October 2014 11:49, UK
New Zealand have made two injury-enforced changes to their starting line-up for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash with South Africa in Ellis Park.
Prop Joe Moody will make his first Test start after Wyatt Crockett failed to recover from a facial cut, while Jeremy Thrush replaces the concussed Brodie Retallick in the second row.
Captain Richie McCaw will set the record for All Blacks appearances by winning his 134th cap, surpassing the mark of 133 he shared with Colin Meads.
Hooker Dane Coles returns to the matchday 23 after miss last week's match in Argentina following a dash home to attend the birth of his first child.
Veteran Keven Mealamu, who impressed with his performance last week against the Pumas, retains his starting role with rookie Nathan Harris dropping out of the squad.
Liam Messam is named among the replacements after recovering from a quadriceps injury that he sustained in Napier against Argentina last month, while Ryan Crotty and Tawera Kerr-Barlow have also been named on the bench.
New Zealand wrapped up their third successive Rugby Championship title with last week's bonus-point victory, but head coach Steve Hansen says that is immaterial when it comes to All Blacks and Springboks matches.
"Even though we have won the Rugby Championship, this is the game we always look forward to playing each year," said Hansen.
"It's a massive challenge which will be spurred on by a huge amount of personal and team pride.
"This group has always believed that enhancing the legacy of the All Blacks is one of its overriding responsibilities, so we will be looking to put in another quality performance on the park.
"However, we know we will be up against a desperate and determined South African team who will be under a lot of pressure to win, which will make them a very dangerous and formidable opponent."
New Zealand: 15 Israel Dagg, 14 Ben Smith, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Malakai Fekitoa, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith; 1 Joe Moody, 2 Keven Mealamu, 3 Owen Franks, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 5 Sam Whitelock, 6 Jerome Kaino, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 8 Kieran Read.
Replacements: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Ben Franks, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Steven Luatua, 20 Liam Messam, 21 Tawera Kerr-Barlow, 22 Colin Slade, 23 Ryan Crotty.
Watch South Africa v New Zealand live on Sky Sports 2 on Saturday from 3.45pm
