Sititi in for All Blacks as De Groot, Lord miss out again

All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi will play against the Springboks for the first time since last year’s record defeat in Wellington, after coach Dave Rennie named his matchday squad for the third Test against South Africa on Saturday.

Meanwhile, prop Ethan de Groot and lock Josh Lord, pitted by assistant coach Tamati Ellison to return after clashing heads in the first Test at Ellis Park, were not selected.

Whether that is because Rennie opted for minimal changes since their defeat in Cape Town, or it’s part of more mind games, it is unknown at this stage.

With the series level 1-1 and two Tests to play, Rennie decided that hooker Asafo Aumua will start, with Samisoni Taukei’aho coming into the 23 as impact at FNB Stadium, Soweto (kick-off 5.10pm).

Sam Darry starts at lock in his 11^th Test, while Fabian Holland moves to the bench.

Peter Lakai will start in the six jersey, and Sititi comes into the 23 on the bench.

All Blacks lock to hit 50

Tupou Vaa’i will be playing his 50^th Test for the All Blacks.

“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” Rennie said.

“With both teams heading into the third Test one apiece, there’s everything to play for on Saturday.”

“The team that doesn’t win this weekend can’t win the series. That’s the kind of challenge we love to rise to.

“The team is feeling fresh after a full week’s lead-in to the game and we can’t wait to put everything out on the park.”

Starting XV

Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupaea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (captain, Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai, Sam Darry, Tupou Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, George Bower.

Replacements

Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby.