Five Hurricanes have been named to play for the All Blacks as they host the Springboks at Sky Stadium in Wellington this weekend.
Tyrel Lomax, Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Du'Plessis Kirifi, and Ruben Love will all feature at the home of the Hurricanes on Saturday night after being included in the All Blacks' match day squad for the second successive Rugby Championship clash against South Africa.
After successfully returning from a hand fracture last weekend, tighthead prop Lomax has been elevated from the bench into the starting lineup for his first appearance in the run-on side since the final match of the July test series against France.
Vice-captain Barrett and Proctor, meanwhile, have been retained as the starting midfield combination for the fourth straight test. In total, they have partnered as the All Blacks' starting midfielders in six out of seven tests this year.
On the bench, Kirifi keeps his place on the bench as the reserve loose forward, while Love is set to make just his third test appearance after being named in the No 23 jersey.
Capable of covering first-five and the outside back positions, Love has been called into the All Blacks' match day side for the first time since their win over France in Hamilton two months ago.
In doing so, the 24-year-old is primed to play his first test match in front of his home fans in Wellington, in a match that doubles as his Rugby Championship debut, and will to take to the field against the world champion Springboks for the first time in his career.
Saturday's clash between the All Blacks and Springboks acts as a rematch between the old foes after the hosts extended their unbeaten streak at Eden Park to 51 tests with a 24-17 win in Auckland last weekend.
The result kept the All Blacks at the top of the Rugby Championship standings at the halfway point of the competition. It also meant they maintained their place as the world's top-ranked side and brought the Springboks' four-test winning run over the All Blacks to an end.
The All Blacks now have the chance to reclaim the Freedom Cup with another win over South Africa at Sky Stadium. Conversely, a win for the Springboks would not only keep the silverware in South Africa for another year, but would also jeopardise the All Blacks' Rugby Championship lead.
“It is an awesome opportunity to face South Africa in front of a sell-out home crowd for a second week in a row,” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson said. “Every test match has its own story line and this one will be another passionate battle.”
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. Samisoni Tuakei'aho
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Scott Barrett (c)
5. Tupou Vaa'i
6. Simon Parker
7. Ardie Savea (vc)
8. Wallace Sititi
9. Noah Hotham
10. Beauden Barrett
11. Leroy Carter
12. Jordie Barrett (vc)
13. Billy Proctor
14. Will Jordan
15. Damian McKenzie
16. Brodie McAlister
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Fabian Holland
20. Du'Plessis Kirifi
21. Finlay Christie
22. Quinn Tupaea
23. Ruben Love
