Codie Taylor will captain the All Blacks for the first time when New Zealand face the Bulls in Pretoria on Sunday morning, with several key players being rested ahead of the opening Test against the Springboks.
According to a report by Stuff, Ardie Savea, Will Jordan and Cam Roigard have all been left out of the match-day squad as coach Dave Rennie looks to protect them from injury before the Test in Johannesburg on August 23.
Richie Mo'unga is also unlikely to feature after only recently travelling to South Africa as an injury replacement for Billy Proctor. Playing at almost 1400m above sea level shortly after the long flight would be an unreasonable demand on the fly-half.
Taylor, who has 109 Test caps, becomes the third player to captain the All Blacks during the tour after Patrick Tuipulotu and Luke Jacobson led the side against the Stormers and Sharks respectively.
“Huge congratulations to Codie on his first All Blacks captaincy,'' All Blacks coach Dave Rennie said. "He is a top man and has done a great job leading this tour group, Stuff has quoted.
"This is a proud moment for an All Blacks centurion who has made a massive contribution to this team as a player and a leader,' as quoted by Stuff.
Taylor's selection is particularly significant as he returns from a calf problem that forced him to retire during the July 18 Test against Ireland in Auckland. His performance will be closely watched with the Springboks clash approaching, Stuff has reported.
The All Blacks have made extensive changes for the Bulls match, with only six players retained from Wednesday's game against the Sharks in Durban. Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa will all back up.
According to Stuff, Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax are set to make their first appearances of the tour. Lomax's return had been delayed by an infected cut to his hand.
Josh Jacomb will make his first starting appearance for the All Blacks, while Beauden Barrett moves to fullback for his second match of the tour.
Damian McKenzie is unavailable after an ankle injury forced him from the Sharks match. Barrett's performance at No 15 could therefore provide another option if McKenzie is unable to recover for the Springboks Test, Stuff has reported.
Rieko Ioane has been named at centre as New Zealand adjusts to the loss of Proctor.
Rennie said the Bulls would provide a significant challenge at Loftus Versfeld.
“The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years. Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead,” Rennie said, Stuff has quoted.
“This is also our final hit-out before the first Test match against the Springboks, so it is an important game for us. There is healthy competition for Test spots so this is another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection,' Stuff has quoted.