New Zealand have tweaked their starting fifteen for the second Test against South Africa, which will be played on Saturday in Cape Town, as they aim to clinch an unassailable 2‑0 lead in the four‑match series. The changes see winger Leroy Carter drafted in for the injured Josh Moorby, while prop George Bower and lock Tupou Vaa'i replace the concussed duo of Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord.
With these adjustments, the All Blacks are hoping to build on the momentum generated by their dominant 33‑16 victory in Johannesburg last weekend, a win that propelled them past the world champions Springboks to claim the world No. 1 ranking. Carter’s selection gives the Chiefs’ flyer a place in a back three that will also feature the prolific wing Will Jordan and full‑back Damian McKenzie.
The backline remains largely unchanged, with Ruben Love retaining his fly‑half duties and Beauden Barrett again omitted from the 23‑man matchday squad. The coaching staff have also confirmed that Ardie Savea will continue as captain, and they have 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," head coach Dave Rennie said in a pre‑match briefing. "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 now sit on a 1‑0 lead in the series after their convincing triumph at Ellis Park, a result that not only secured the match win but also saw New Zealand overtake South Africa in the World Rugby rankings. The upcoming fixture in Cape Town will be a crucial test of depth, as the New Zealand side must cope with the loss of two front‑row players and a lock, while also integrating Carter into a back three that has already shown its potency.
New Zealand’s starting XV for the match is expected to be: 1. George Bower (prop) 2. Codie Taylor (hooker) 3.
Tyrel Lomax (prop) 4. Fabian Holland (lock) 5. Tupou Vaa'i (lock) 6.
Simon Parker (flanker) 7. Luke Jacobsen (flanker) 8. Ardie Savea (number 8, captain) 9.
Cam Roigard (scrum‑half) 10. Ruben Love (fly‑half) 11. Leroy Carter (wing) 12. Jordie Barrett (inside centre) 13.
Quinn Tupaea (outside centre) 14. Will Jordan (wing) 15. Damian McKenzie (full‑back) The bench will include Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert‑Brown and the returning Josh Moorby, providing a blend of experience and youthful energy. South Africa have also made a couple of adjustments.
Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu is drafted in for the sidelined Handre Pollard, who is dealing with a calf strain, while the versatile Cheslin Kolbe replaces Kurt‑Lee Arendse after a minor knock. Kolbe, who was not named in the original Monday squad, will sit on the bench, ready to inject his trademark footwork and attacking flair if called upon. The Springbok starting line‑up is likely to be: 1. Ox Nche (prop) 2.
Malcolm Marx (hooker) 3. Wilco Louw (prop) 4.
Eben Etzebeth (lock) 5. Ruan Nortje (lock) 6. Siya Kolisi (flanker, captain) 7. Pieter‑Steph du Toit (flanker) 8.
Jasper Wiese (number 8) 9. Cobus Reinach (scrum‑half) 10. Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu (fly‑half) 11.
Ethan Hooker (wing) 12. Damian de Allende (inside centre) 13.
Jesse Kriel (outside centre) 14. Cheslin Kolbe (wing) 15. Damian Willemse (full‑back) Their replacements will feature Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg and Manie Libbok. Both teams will be looking to exploit the conditions at Newlands, a venue known for its fast, dry surface that often favours expansive, running rugby.
New Zealand’s back three, now bolstered by Carter’s speed and finishing ability, will aim to stretch the Springbok defence, while the All Blacks’ forwards will try to dominate the set‑piece and provide a stable platform for the backs. Conversely, South Africa will rely on the physicality of their pack, anchored by the experienced Eben Etzebeth and the dynamic leadership of Siya Kolisi, to disrupt New Zealand’s rhythm and create turnover opportunities. The match is being broadcast live on Sky Sports across the UK and Ireland, with streaming available via the NOW platform for contract‑free viewing.
Kick‑off times have been confirmed for a prime‑time slot, ensuring maximum exposure for what promises to be a high‑stakes encounter. Beyond the on‑field tactics, the game carries significant narrative weight. New Zealand’s recent ascension to the top of the world rankings adds pressure to maintain their new status, while South Africa, the reigning world champions, will be eager to respond and re‑assert their dominance on home soil. The outcome of this second Test could shape the psychological balance of the series, potentially setting the tone for the remaining two matches.
In summary, the All Blacks head into Cape Town with three fresh faces, a clear strategic plan, and the confidence that comes from a convincing opening win. The Springboks, despite a few injury setbacks, have the depth and experience to challenge New Zealand at every phase. Fans can expect a tightly contested battle, with both sides eager to claim the early advantage in what promises to be a thrilling four‑match series.