South Africa vs New Zealand: All Blacks make three changes ahead of second Test in Cape Town

27.08.2026, 15:24 skysports.com

New Zealand have made three changes to their starting XV for Saturday's second Test against South Africa as they look to secure an unassailable 2-0 series lead in Cape Town.

Winger Leroy Carter comes in for Josh Moorby, while prop George Bower and lock Tupou Vaa'i replace Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, who have been ruled out with concussion.

The All Blacks lead the four-Test series 1-0 after last weekend's 33-16 victory in Johannesburg, which saw them leapfrog the world champions Springboks to become the world's No 1-ranked side.

Carter's inclusion sees the Chiefs winger form a back three alongside Will Jordan and full-back Damian McKenzie.

Ruben Love retains his place at fly-half, with Beauden Barrett once again not named in the matchday 23.

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Ardie Savea will captain the side again, with the All Blacks opting for a 5-3 split between forwards and backs among the replacements.

"While we were happy with the win last week, I think both teams will be better this weekend," coach Dave Rennie said. "We've played four Tests this year and are still growing as a group.

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"I'm really excited about the competition for places and the performances of the squad across the matches here in South Africa, and we're really looking forward to this weekend."

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New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, ⁠10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard; 1 George Bower, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Fabian Holland, 5 Tupou Vaa'i, 6 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobsen, 8 Ardie Savea (captain)

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton ‌Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.

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