Both de Groot and Lord failed head injury assessments which rules them out of the Test at the DHL Stadium. Tupou Vaa\u2019i, previously used as a blindside flanker in the big Tests by Rennie, will replace Lord at lock.<\/p>\n
Simon Parker, a reserve last weekend, will start at blindside flanker, with Patrick Tuipulotu, who played the first half of Wednesday\u2019s 41-35 victory over the Lions<\/a>, named as lock cover on the bench.<\/p>\n Front rowers Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia and Fletcher Newell are also on the bench, along with loose forward Peter Lakai, meaning there is no room for Ethan Blackadder, <\/a>who was superb against the Lions.<\/p>\n The biggest surprise comes in the No.11 jersey, with Leroy Carter starting ahead of Josh Moorby. Moorby was extremely solid there in the first Test and scored his team\u2019s first try of five after receiving Vaa\u2019i\u2019s excellent offload.<\/p>\n Clearly the selectors have seen something in the Boks\u2019 back three that Carter may be able to exploit. Head coach Rassie Erasmus named his team, which included nine changes, <\/a>on Tuesday.<\/p>\n Patrick Tuipulotu carries the ball for the All Blacks against the Stormers. (Source: Photosport)<\/p>\n The other selections are straightforward, with hooker Codie Taylor and tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax retaining their places, along with loose forwards Ardie Savea, Luke Jacobson and the backline apart from Moorby.<\/p>\n Remarkably, fullback Damian McKenzie will be playing his 34th consecutive Test.<\/p>\n Right wing Will Jordan, who extended his Test try scoring record to 53 tries with his double last weekend, has gone to No.6 on the all-time men\u2019s Test list alongside former England international Rory Underwood. Japan\u2019s winger Daisuke Ohata holds the record with 69 tries.<\/p>\n The midfield of Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea, easily New Zealand’s best, will again be crucial on both sides of the ball and will likely be expecting a change of attacking strategy from the Boks.<\/p>\n Kyle Preston is the back-up halfback, while Anton Lienert-Brown will wear the No.22 jersey again.<\/p>\n![\"Patrick](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/patrick-tuipulotu-carries-the-ball-for-the-all-blacks-agains-HRFNJFUV2BD2VCZFMMZVXM7NTI.jpg\")
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