Four Hurricanes will line up for the All Blacks for this weekend's historic Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Eden Park in Auckland.
Following a week's break after their tournament-opening tour of Argentina, vice-captain Jordie Barrett and Billy Proctor have retained their places as the starting midfielders to face South Africa on Saturday night.
It will be the third consecutive test the pair have started in the All Blacks midfield and the fifth time they have done so at international level, adding the 23 occasions they have teamed up at No 12 and No 13 for the Hurricanes.
On the bench, tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax completes his comeback from a hand fracture to take his place in the No 18 jersey, and flanker Du'Plessis Kirifi returns to the match day squad as the reserve loose forward.
Saturday's match will be the first Lomax has played since the final test of the July series between the All Blacks and France. It will also be the first time both Proctor and Kirifi have faced the Springboks, and the first time either player have played a test at Eden Park.
With every team across the Rugby Championship sitting on one win and one loss from the first two rounds, the stage is set for a blockbuster encounter between the All Blacks and Springboks.
Ranked as the world's top two sides, the All Blacks will put their 50-test, 31-year unbeaten run at Eden Park on the line against the reigning world champions, who have won their four last encounters against New Zealand - a streak that includes their 2023 World Cup final victory over the Kiwis.
The All Blacks, who hold a one-point lead at the top of the Rugby Championship table, must also beat South Africa to keep their hopes of winning back the Freedom Cup alive after losing the prized silverware to the Springboks last year.
Additionally, this weekend's winning side will assume top spot on the World Rugby rankings.
Kick-off for this weekend's test between the All Blacks and Springboks is scheduled for 7:05pm Saturday NZT.
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All Blacks team to play the Springboks
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor
3. Fletcher Newell
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Simon Parker
7. Ardie Savea (vc)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Finlay Christie
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Rieko Ioane
12. Jordie Barrett (vc)
13. Billy Proctor
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Will Jordan
16. Samisoni Taukei'aho
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Fabian Holland
20. Du'Plessis Kirifi
21. Kyle Preston
22. Quinn Tupaea
23. Damian McKenzie
