All Blacks name team for first Springboks test with McKenzie and Holland passed fit
The All Blacks have named their starting XV to face the world champion Springboks in Johannesburg, with Damian McKenzie, Fabian Holland and Cam Roigard all passed fit to play.
Coach Dave Rennie has named the All Blacks team for the opening test against the Springboks at Ellis Park, retaining most of the side that played Ireland in the Nations Championship. Key players Damian McKenzie, Fabian Holland and Cam Roigard have recovered in time to claim their places in the starting XV. The match represents a significant test for the All Blacks against the world champions. Richie Mo'unga also returns to the All Blacks for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final, starting in the midweek fixture against the Lions on Wednesday.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Stuff
‘Got through what he needed to’: ABs hopeful on D-Mac as Boks loom large
This is no ordinary rugby week in South Africa, and the All Blacks are playing no ordinary test match at the end of it.
Stuff
The 1000-day wait driving Richie Mo'unga as he returns to the All Blacks
The feeling of pulling on the black jersey was a big factor pulling the first-five in. He should get to experience it again next week.
Stuff
All Blacks unleash 124kg Dutch-born giant for opening Springboks clash
Fabian Holland gets starting nod ahead of schedule as All Blacks launch series against world champion Springboks at Ellis Park.
NZ Herald
All Blacks: Dave Rennie backs Damian McKenzie and Fabian Holland for Springboks test
Damian McKenzie and Fabian Holland recover in time to claim places in starting team.
1News
Key All Blacks' trio named to start first Test against Boks
Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie have all been passed fit to play the world champions in Johannesburg.
Stuff
Springboks name experienced side for first All Blacks test
Head coach Rassie Erasmus said the 23 selected hit the right balance considering the unique preparation for the test portion of the tour.
Stuff
Continuity king as Rennie keeps his All Blacks side settled for Springboks series opener
There is just one change to the starting XV that ran out for against Ireland in the Nations Championship clash at Eden Park.
Otago Daily Times
Fabian Holland to start first test against Springboks
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks: Dave Rennie backs Damian McKenzie and Fabian Holland, Springboks skipper Siya Kolisi out of first test
Springboks v All Blacks, 3am Sunday
Stuff
Join the debate as All Blacks name team for first test with Springboks
Stuff rugby reporters Richard Knowler and Joseph Pearson answer your questions about the All Blacks team named to play the Springboks.
Stuff
The All Blacks pick only 0.6% of Stuff readers nailed
Coach Dave Rennie and the All Blacks selectors have named their squad for the opening test against the Springboks.
Stuff
Richie Mo’unga gets the start for midweek All Blacks against Lions at Ellis Park
Richie Mo’unga returns to the All Blacks for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final to run the cutter in their final non-test game against the Lions at Ellis Park early Wednesday.
1News
'It's really special': Mo'unga returns to All Blacks for Lions clash
The 32-year-old joins the All Blacks to start against the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday.
RNZ
Mo'unga to play for All Blacks for first time since 2023 World Cup
The Canterbury first-five, who has recently returned from playing in Japan, has been named to start for the All Blacks against the Lions in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning.
Stuff
All eyes on Richie Mo’unga for All Blacks’ Lions clash
Richie Mo’unga makes his long-awaited return after three years in Japan as the All Blacks complete their franchise tour against the Lions.
NZ Herald
All Blacks return gives Richie Mo’unga’s World Cup bid credibility
OPINION: Mo’unga had the usual and expected element of poise.
Stuff
Join the debate as All Blacks make big swap in team for Springboks test
Follow our live chat after the team naming for the second test between the All Blacks and Springboks in Cape Town.