All Blacks name squad for first Springboks Test with McKenzie fitness concerns
Coach Dave Rennie will announce the All Blacks team for their opening Test against South Africa, with fullback Damian McKenzie's availability uncertain.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie is preparing to name his squad for the first Test against the Springboks in Johannesburg. Rennie has indicated that loose forwards Jordan and Roigard should be available if they complete a full training week, but uncertainty remains over the fitness of starting fullback Damian McKenzie. The team selection comes ahead of what is being billed as the Greatest Rivalry Tour between the two nations.
Covered byStuff1NewsNewstalk ZBNot covered byRNZNZ HeraldOtago Daily TimesNewsroomThe SpinoffBusinessDeskinterest.co.nz
Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
1News
All Blacks: Rennie expects Jordan and Roigard to be fit for first Test
The All Blacks coach says the pair will play the Boks if they make it through a full training week but is more concerned about fullback Damian McKenzie.
Stuff
Choose your All Blacks team to play the Springboks with Stuff’s team selector
Who do you think All Blacks coach Dave Rennie will start against the Springboks in the first test?
Stuff
Reason: How the All Blacks can beat the Springboks
OPINION: The All Blacks are running free again, but beating the Springboks in South Africa is a brutal task.
Stuff
D-Mac doubts remain as All Blacks gives Jordan and Roigard resounding thumbs-up
There is enough doubt over the availability of first-choice fullback Damian McKenzie to throw a potential spanner in the works ahead of Thursday’s lineup announcement.
Stuff
The big talking points as Dave Rennie prepares to name team for first Springboks test
All Backs coach Dave Rennie will name his team in the early hours of Friday morning.
Newstalk ZB
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on who could be named for the All Blacks squad set to face the Springboks
The All Blacks squad set to face off against the Springboks this weekend is set to be revealed and excitement is growing.
Newstalk ZB
Brodie Retallick: Former All Black on the potential squad for the Springboks test match
The first test match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour between the All Blacks and the Springboks is only a few days away and tonight, the first squad will be named for that test match at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Stuff
Ardie Savea’s big test: Time to turn up the heat
Skipper Ardie Savea has got much to prove as the All Blacks seek a victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.