New Zealand have reshuffled their starting fifteen for the second Test against South Africa, which will be played on Saturday in Cape Town. The changes are aimed at cementing a dominant 2‑0 lead in the four‑match series and keeping the momentum after a convincing 33‑16 win in Johannesburg that lifted the All Blacks to the top of the world rankings. The most notable alteration is the introduction of Chiefs winger Leroy Carter, who replaces Josh Moorby on the right flank.
Carter will now join fellow back‑three stars Will Jordan and full‑back Damian McKenzie, giving the team a fresh attacking option on the edge. In the front row, prop George Bower steps in for Ethan de Groot, while lock Tupou Vaa'i takes the place of Josh Lord, both of whom have been ruled out after sustaining concussion injuries during the first Test. Ruben Love retains the fly‑half duties, continuing his partnership with McKenzie and Jordan. Veteran Beauden Barrett is again omitted from the match‑day squad, leaving the coaching staff to rely on the younger play‑makers for the crucial kicking and game‑management responsibilities.
Ardie Savey will once more lead the side as captain, and coach Dave Rennie has opted for a balanced bench with five forwards and three backs. "While we were happy with the win last week, I think both teams will be better this weekend," Rennie said. "We've played four Tests this year and are still growing as a group. 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." The All Blacks' starting XV for the match reads as follows: 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 Savey (captain).
The replacements are 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert‑Brown and 23 Josh Moorby. South Africa have also made a couple of tweaks. Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu is drafted in for the injured Handre Pollard, who is sidelined with a calf strain.
In addition, the Springboks have brought Cheslin Kolbe onto the bench to replace Kurt‑Lee Arendse, who remains unavailable after a knock. The Springbok starting line‑up will be: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach; 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Pieter‑Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese. Their bench consists of 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg and 23 Manie Libbok. Both teams enter the match with a lot at stake.
New Zealand are looking to secure an unassailable lead that would make the final two Tests less pressure‑filled, while South Africa are eager to bounce back from the opening loss and keep the series alive. The tactical battle will likely revolve around the All Blacks' expansive back‑line play, especially with Carter’s speed on the wing, against the Springboks’ physical forward dominance anchored by the likes of Etzebeth, Marx and Kolisi. Fans can tune in to watch the game live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available via the NOW platform for those who prefer a contract‑free experience. The match is scheduled to kick off at a time convenient for UK and Irish audiences, ensuring a broad viewership for what promises to be a high‑intensity encounter.
Beyond the on‑field action, the fixture offers a glimpse into the evolving dynamics of both squads. For New Zealand, the inclusion of younger talent such as Carter and the continued faith in Love at fly‑half signal a shift towards a more dynamic, less predictable style of play. Meanwhile, South Africa’s decision to bring Kolbe onto the bench underlines their desire to inject fresh creativity into a backline that struggled to find rhythm in the first Test. Overall, the second Test in Cape Town is set to be a pivotal chapter in the tour, with the All Blacks aiming to cement their supremacy and the Springboks desperate to reassert themselves on home soil.
The outcome will shape the narrative of the series and could have lasting implications for world rankings as the two rugby powerhouses vie for the top spot.