New Zealand have tweaked their starting fifteen for the second Test against South Africa, scheduled for Saturday in Cape Town, as they aim to clinch a decisive 2-0 lead in the four‑match series. The changes see winger Leroy Carter drafted in for the injured Josh Moorby, while front‑rower George Bower and lock Tupou Vaa'i replace Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, both ruled out after suffering concussions in the first encounter. The All Blacks entered the series on a high note, having secured a 33-16 triumph in Johannesburg last weekend. That victory not only gave them a 1-0 edge in the four‑Test contest but also propelled them past the Springboks to claim the world‑number‑one ranking.
With that momentum behind them, the coaching staff, led by Dave Rennie, have opted for a slightly altered back three: Carter will now partner the prolific wing Will Jordan and the versatile full‑back Damian McKenzie, creating a fresh attacking combination. Ruben Love retains the fly‑half duties, while veteran Beauden Barrett remains omitted from the 23‑man matchday squad, a decision that underscores Rennie's commitment to rewarding form and fitness over reputation. Ardie Savey will once again wear the captain's armband, and the bench will feature a balanced five‑forwards‑three‑backs split, giving the coaching team flexibility to adapt to the physical demands of South African conditions. "While we were happy with the win last week, I think both teams will be better this weekend," Rennie said in a pre‑match press conference.
"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." His comments highlighted the ongoing development of a relatively young side that has already shown it can compete with the best.
The revised New Zealand lineup 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 Savea (captain). The replacements include Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert‑Brown and Josh Moorby, providing depth across the backline and forward pack. South Africa have also made adjustments to their squad. Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu is brought in to replace the sidelined Handre Pollard, who is nursing a calf strain, while the electrifying Cheslin Kolbe returns to the bench after a minor knock, taking the place of Kurt‑Lee Arendse in the match‑day 23.
Their starting XV will feature 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. The bench includes 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 fine‑tune their strategies after the opening match, which saw New Zealand dominate the Springboks with a blend of physical forward play and expansive back‑line moves. The All Blacks' ability to adapt to the altitude and weather conditions in Cape Town will be a key factor, as will South Africa's renowned defensive resilience and powerful set‑piece execution. Fans can catch every moment of the encounter live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through the NOW platform for those without a traditional contract.
The match is expected to start at a time convenient for UK and Irish audiences, ensuring maximum viewership for a clash that could effectively decide the series outcome. Beyond the immediate tactical battles, this Test holds broader significance for the two rugby powerhouses. New Zealand's ascent to the top of the world rankings has sparked intense debate about the shifting balance of power in international rugby, while South Africa, fresh from a World Cup triumph, are eager to reassert their dominance on home soil.
The result will not only influence the series scoreboard but also shape the narrative heading into the final two Tests, where each side will have a chance to either cement their supremacy or stage a dramatic comeback. In summary, the All Blacks have introduced Leroy Carter, George Bower and Tupou Vaa'i to replace injured teammates, retained Ruben Love at fly‑half, and left out Beauden Barrett, while the Springboks have swapped Handre Pollard for Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu and added Cheslin Kolbe to the bench.
Both squads are poised for a tightly contested encounter, and viewers can expect a high‑intensity, skill‑laden performance from two of the sport's most storied nations.