Roigard, Jordan and McKenzie pass fitness tests as All Blacks name team for Springboks opener in Johannesburg

Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie have all been passed fit and named in the All Blacks’ starting lineup for the first Test of the Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday. Captain Ardie Savea, who joined the tour late for rest reasons, slots straight back into the No.8 role.

Roigard’s inclusion is particularly significant — Saturday will be only his second Test appearance against South Africa, having previously faced the world champions off the bench in a warm-up match before the 2023 Rugby World Cup. He will partner Ruben Love at halfback, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea forming the midfield.

Savea and hooker Codie Taylor both reach 110 Test caps for New Zealand with this selection. The forward pack is completed by props Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax, locks Josh Lord and Fabian Holland, and loose forwards Tupou Vaa’i and Luke Jacobson.

In the back three, Josh Moorby joins McKenzie and Jordan, with Saturday marking Moorby’s first appearance against South Africa. Off the bench, loose forwards Anton Segner and Peter Lakai will also face the Springboks for the first time, while Kyle Preston earns a place among the back replacements alongside Anton Lienert-Brown and Leroy Carter.

“After all the build-up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway,” head coach Dave Rennie said. “We have selected a balanced mix of big-match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first Test.”

Rennie acknowledged the scale of the challenge awaiting his side, with South Africa ranked number one in the world and playing at home. “We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear. They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”