Ardie Savea returns to lead New Zealand as All Blacks make fly half decision for first Test against South Africa

Ardie Savea returns to captain New Zealand in the first Test against South Africa, with Ruben Love trusted at fly half at the start of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Savea was rested from the preceding tour matches but starts at No 8 at Ellis Park as the All Blacks face the first of four clashes with the Springboks.

Love keeps his place at No 10 having impressed during the Nations Championship in July, with no place in the matchday 23 for veteran Beauden Barrett or the recalled Richie Mo’unga.

Backs Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie all shake off injury fears to start in Johannesburg as Dave Rennie blends experienced heads with some newer faces.

“After all the build up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway,” New Zealand head coach Rennie said.

“We have selected a balanced mix of big match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first Test.

“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play.

“We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear. They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”

New Zealand XV to face South Africa in Johannesburg (Saturday 22 August, 4.10pm BST): 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Josh Lord, 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea (capt.); 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Josh Moorby, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.

Repacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Anton Segner, 20 Peter Lakai; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Leroy Carter.

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