New Zealand drop Codie Taylor in surprise change for third test against south africa

New Zealand have made a surprise selection call ahead of the third Test against South Africa, dropping experienced hooker Codie Taylor from the match-day squad for Saturday’s clash at Soccer City.

The 111-cap Taylor appears to have paid the price for New Zealand’s struggles at the line-out during the second Test, with the Springboks repeatedly disrupting their set-piece play in Cape Town.

Asafo Aumua will start at hooker, while Samisoni Taukei’aho comes onto the bench. Taylor is the biggest omission from the 23-man squad.

There are also changes in the second row, with Sam Darry set to make his first appearance of the four-Test series. He replaces Fabian Holland, who drops to the bench, while Patrick Tuipulotu misses out on the match-day squad altogether.

Tupou Vaa’i Set for 50th Test

Tupou Vaa’i will reach a major milestone on Saturday when he earns his 50th Test cap. The lock was congratulated by the Springboks ahead of the occasion.

“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie said.

“With both teams heading into the third Test one apiece, there’s everything to play for on Saturday.

“The team that doesn’t win this weekend can’t win the series. That’s the kind of challenge we love to rise to.

“The team is feeling fresh after a full week’s lead-in to the game and we can’t wait to put everything out on the park.”

There is another change among the forwards, with Peter Lakai coming into the loose trio in place of Simon Parker. Wallace Sititi is also included among the replacements for the first time during the series.

The backline remains unchanged from last weekend’s 33-26 defeat to South Africa in the second Test in Cape Town.

Captain Ardie Savea will once again lead the All Blacks, with New Zealand opting for a five-forward, three-back split on the bench.

All Blacks Looking to Reclaim Series Lead

The third Test will take place at the cavernous Soccer City in Soweto, with around 87,000 supporters expected to attend.

Rennie believes the All Blacks have felt strong support both from travelling New Zealand fans and supporters back home.

“We’ve really felt the support not only from our travelling army of Kiwi fans and fans here in South Africa, but also the New Zealand public back home,” Rennie said.

“It’s been massive for us and we look forward to more of the same this weekend.”

The All Blacks won the opening Test 33-16 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg before South Africa responded with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town.

With the series level at 1-1, Saturday’s match is effectively a must-win for both sides. The team that loses will be unable to claim the four-Test series.

The fourth and final Test is scheduled to take place in Baltimore, United States, on September 12.

All Blacks’ Historic South Africa Tour

The All Blacks are undertaking their first full tour of South Africa since 1996, with the series being promoted as the ‘Greatest Rivalry’.

Beyond the series trophy and bragging rights, the outcome could also have implications for the World Rugby rankings, with both teams competing for the number one position.

New Zealand Team

15. Damian McKenzie
14. Will Jordan
13. Quinn Tupaea
12. Jordie Barrett
11. Leroy Carter
10. Ruben Love
9. Cam Roigard
8. Ardie Savea (captain)
7. Luke Jacobson
6. Peter Lakai
5. Sam Darry
4. Tupou Vaa’i
3. Tyrel Lomax
2. Asafo Aumua
1. George Bower

Replacements

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Xavier Numia
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Fabian Holland
20. Wallace Sititi
21. Kyle Preston
22. Anton Lienert-Brown
23. Josh Moorby