Will Jordan and Brodie Retallick return for All Blacks against Boks

The return of electric outside back Will Jordan and Test centurion Brodie Retallick headlines a star-studded All Blacks side to take on fierce rivals South Africa this weekend.

New Zealand started their Rugby Championship campaign with a dominant win over Argentina in Mendoza last weekend, but the focus quickly began to shift to their impending challenge against the world champions.

After leaving South America in the early hours on Sunday morning, and arriving back in Aotearoa about 15 hours later, the hype and anticipation began to build for the All Blacks’ first Test on home soil this year.

Five players are preparing to take the Test field for the first time this year, including the likes of Will Jordan, Brodie Retallick, Mark Telea and Samisoni Taukei’aho.

Crusaders prop Tamaiti Williams has also been named on the bench, and is a chance of making his debut in black at Mt Smart Stadium.

“Any Test against South Africa is a special occasion,” coach Ian Foster said in a statement. “There is a lot of respect between the two nations and that usually translates to an epic battle on the field.

“This will be a significant challenge and we are determined to grow after a solid start to the Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship in Argentina last week.

“It has been four years since we last played South Africa here in New Zealand so that also makes it special.”

The All Blacks have confirmed one change to their starting front row with Codie Taylor coming into the run-on side at hooker, while Dane Coles drops out of the matchday 23 altogether.

Retallick will pack down alongside Scott Barrett in the second row – seemingly confirming that veteran Sam Whitelock is still out with an injury.

Shannon Frizell, captain Sam Cane and enforcer Ardie Savea round out the forwards with a formidable back row trio.

Flyhalf Richie Mo’unga is back in the 10 jersey this week after making a cameo off the bench against Los Pumas, and the champion Crusader will link up with Aaron Smith in the halves.

Jordie Barrett will play his 505h Test match on Saturday, and joins Rieko Ioane in the midfield. The star duo were nothing short of outstanding against Los Pumas.

Mark Telea is back on one wing, Will Jordan on the other, and Beauden Barrett has retained his spot at fullback.

“The fact that this game sold out over a month ago shows that fans are clearly up for it,” Foster added. “I’ve been told that we’re expecting over 31,000 fans which means a lot to us.”

The highly anticipated clash between the All Blacks and Springboks is set to get underway at 7.05pm NZST on Saturday at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium.

All Blacks to take on Springboks

1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Brodie Retallick
5. Scott Barrett
6. Shannon Frizell
7. Sam Cane (c)
8. Ardie Savea
9. Aaron Smith
10. Richie Mo’unga
11. Mark Telea
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Rieko Ioane
14. Will Jordan
15. Beauden Barrett

Replacements:

16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Nepo Laulala
19. Tupou Vaa’i
20. Dalton Papali’i
21. Finlay Christie
22. Braydon Ennor
23. Caleb Clarke