All Blacks team naming: Scott Robertson reveals side to face South Africa at Eden Park
Live updates of the All Blacks’ squad naming to face the Springboks at Eden Park
That's all folks
Alex Powell
That'll conclude our live coverage of the All Blacks' team naming.
There won't be any shortage of coverage over the next few days, though, so make sure to join us again for all the action in the build-up to Saturday night!
Scott Robertson speaks
Alex Powell
The All Blacks coach is fronting media in Auckland after making his selections for this weekend.
Alex Powell
Razor keeps the faith
Alex Powell
Despite the temptation for changes after the Argentina defeat, Scott Robertson has backed his players to atone.
In the backline in particular, Rieko Ioane continues on the wing, after Sevu Reece lost his spot.
Robertson could have rushed Leicester Fainga'anuku back into the starting side – or even the match-day 23 – but has opted against too much change.
The same could be said for Billy Proctor, who struggled against Los Pumas, with the vastly experienced Anton Lienert-Brown available to start in the No 13 if needed.
Kyle Preston debuts
Alex Powell
What a year for the halfback. This time last year, he wasn't even a Super Rugby player, but has taken his chance at the Crusaders.
The 25-year-old will become the eighth debutant for the All Blacks this year, if he comes off the bench, that is.
"As with all of our debutants, we know that Kyle will rise to the challenge in the black jersey," said Robertson.
"He is a skilful player who has proven his ability to drive a game and make smart decisions in pressure moments.”
Ardie tons up
Alex Powell
It's also worth noting that this test is Ardie Savea's 100th for the All Blacks.
“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black. He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership, and mana every time he pulls on the jersey," said Scott Robertson.
"We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day. "
Changes made
Alex Powell
There it is, then. Scott Robertson has, for the most part, backed his men to bounce back from the loss to Argentina.
Changes have been made, though.
Wallace Sititi comes back into the starting side at No 8, which forces Simon Parker onto the blindside of the scrum, and Tupou Vaa'i back to the second row.
In the backline, Emoni Narawa comes on to the right wing at Sevu Reece's expense.
On the bench, Kyle Preston has come in for his test debut to back up Finlay Christie.
Team named
Alex Powell
All Blacks team
Ethan de Groot
Codie Taylor
Fletcher Newell
Scott Barrett (c)
Tupou Vaa’i
Simon Parker
Ardie Savea
Wallace Sititi
Finlay Christie
Beauden Barrett
Rieko Ioane
Jordie Barrett
Billy Proctor
Emoni Narawa
Will Jordan
Reserves:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. Tamaiti Williams
18. Tyrel Lomax
19. Fabian Holland
20. Du’Plessis Kirifi
21. Kyle Preston
22. Quinn Tupaea
23. Damian McKenzie
Not long to go...
Alex Powell
About 10 minutes until the team is named, how many changes will Razor make?
Rassie's respect
Alex Powell
The Springboks coach didn't mince his words in talking about what the All Blacks' Eden Park record means.
Best of the best
Alex Powell
Phil Gifford ranks the top 10 tests between the All Blacks and Springboks.
Apologies
Alex Powell
We're now hearing that team naming is at 12pm, as opposed to 11.30am as was first published.
Apologies for any inconvenience caused.
Rassie v Razor
Alex Powell
Liam Napier breaks down the battle between the two coaches.
All Blacks must be brave against 'Boks - Liam Napier
Alex Powell
Alex Powell
Behind the streak
Alex Powell
The NZ Herald's Michael Burgess breaks down exactly how the All Blacks have remained unbeaten at Eden Park for so long.
Will Fainga'anuku make his return?
Alex Powell
Leicester Fainga'anuku hasn't worn the black jersey since the 2023 World Cup quarter-final against Ireland.
But after the NZ Rugby board made an exemption to allow him to be selected, the 25-year-old could earn a spot on the wing or in midfield on Saturday.
However, Gregor Paul breaks down why that raises more questions than answers for those at NZ Rugby.
Highlanders sign Pumas veteran
Alex Powell
While we wait for the team, the Highlanders have announced a key acquisition for 2026.
Alex Powell
How the test will be won
Alex Powell
Former All Black and commentator Ant Strachan breaks down what Scott Robertson's men need to do on Saturday.
The greatest rivalry
Alex Powell
This is, without a doubt, the fixture that All Blacks fans look forward to the most.
No opponent has as storied a history against the All Blacks as the Springboks.
For your reading pleasure, NZME sport editor Winston Aldworth has ranked EVERY test the two fierce rivals have contested.
Good morning!
Alex Powell
Kia ora, and a very good morning to those of you joining us for live coverage of Scott Robertson's squad naming to face the Springboks.
The team is expected to be revealed at 11.30am, so we'll bring you everything as it comes in.
All you need to know
It’s world No 1 v No 2, a repeat of the World Cup final, two of the great sporting rivals squaring off once again. It might just be the biggest test for the All Blacks this year.
Scott Robertson’s side look to continue a proud record at Eden Park stretching back to 1994 while also needing to bounce back from a defeat to Argentina. They’ll need to defuse Rassie Erasmus’ bomb squad and end a losing run of four straight against the Boks. The last time they beat the All Blacks in five straight tests? 1949. The last time they won at Eden Park? 1937.
The Springboks haven’t played at Eden Park since 2013, on that day current captain Siya Kolisi came off the bench for his fifth test and first defeat. South Africa have played in Auckland since however, losing at Go Media Stadium in 2023 (35-20) and North Harbour Stadium (57-0) in 2017 making it 10 straight defeats in the city.
All Blacks v South Africa history
Played – 108
All Blacks won – 62
South Africa won – 42
Draws – 4
All Blacks points scored – 2235
South Africa points scored – 1789
Springboks’ record at Eden Park
1921 - All Blacks 5 South Africa 9
1937 - All Blacks 6 South Africa 17
1956 - All Blacks 11 South Africa 5
1965 - All Blacks 20 South Africa 3
1981 - All Blacks 25 South Africa 22
1994 - All Blacks 18 South Africa 18
1997 - All Blacks 55 South Africa 35
2001 - All Blacks 26 South Africa 15
2010 - All Blacks 32 South Africa 12
2013 - All Blacks 29 South Africa 15
All Blacks v South Africa line-ups
All Blacks side:
Named 12.30pm Thursday.
South Africa:
Named 6pm Thursday.
Form guide (past five tests)
All Blacks: L, W, W, W, W
South Africa: W, L, W, W, W
All Blacks v South Africa – last time they met
All Blacks 12 South Africa 18, 2024
In another tense, tight test in Cape Town that featured four yellow cards, the All Blacks had ample opportunity to knock the Boks off their perch but they instead wilted under pressure to fall to their third defeat in their last four tests.
Damian McKenzie missed two crucial penalties – the second from right in front in the 72nd minute – as the All Blacks failed to score a point in the final quarter for the fourth test in a row, despite significantly reshaping the bench this week.
The All Blacks led 9-3 after a dominant first half but, in familiar fashion to last week’s defeat at Ellis Park, the Boks surged back to seize control of the contest with 10 unanswered points.
Replacement hooker Malcolm Marx claimed the decisive try – with seven minutes remaining, as the Boks outscored the All Blacks two tries to none. Inspirational Boks captain Siya Kolisi, playing through the pain of a broken nose, scored the other try.
All Blacks 12: Damian McKenzie pen 4
Springboks 18: Siya Kolisi, Malcolm Marx tries, Handre Pollard pen, con, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu pen
HT: 3-9
All Blacks v South Africa referee
Englishman Karl Dickson is in charge of Saturday’s test with Nika Amashukeli and Jordan Way the assistant referees and Brett Cronan the TV match official.
It’s the first time Dickson has refereed this fixture. The All Blacks have a 4-0 record in tests with Dickson as referee, while South Africa are 2-1 with their only defeat in Ireland.
All Blacks v South Africa - Top tryscorers
10 - Christian Cullen
9 - Joe Rokocoko
8 - Bryan Habana
6 - Richie McCaw
6 - Joost Van der Westhuizen
6 - Israel Dagg
All Blacks to play 100 tests
Ardie Savea currently sits on 99 tests and would become the 15th All Black to reach the 100-test milestone should he be named in the squad.
Most-capped All Blacks
Sam Whitelock 153
Richie McCaw 148
Beauden Barrett 138
Keven Mealamu 132
Kieran Read 127
Aaron Smith 125
Tony Woodcock 118
Dan Carter 112
Brodie Retallick 109
Owen Franks 108
Sam Cane 104
Ma’a Nonu 103
Mils Muliaina 100
Codie Taylor 100
Ardie Savea 99
All Blacks v South Africa TAB odds
All Blacks: $1.55 Draw: $21 South Africa: $2.40
All Blacks Rugby Championship schedule
August 16, 9.10am – All Blacks 41 Argentina 24, Mario Alberto Kempes Stadium, Cordoba
August 23, 9.10am – All Blacks 23 Argentina 29, Velez Sarsfield Stadium, Buenos Aires
Saturday, September 6, 7.05pm – All Blacks v South Africa, Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday, September 13, 7.05pm – All Blacks v South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington
Saturday, September 27, 5.05pm – All Blacks v Australia, Eden Park, Auckland
Saturday, October 4, 10.45pm – All Blacks v Australia, Perth
All Blacks v South Africa – how to follow the action
For live commentary of All Blacks v South Africa, join Elliott Smith on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport and iHeartRadio.
Plus the Alternative Commentary Collective will be providing commentary on their iHeartRadio stream.
You can watch the game on Sky Sport 1 and it will be livestreaming on Sky Sport Now.
You can also find live updates at nzherald.co.nz.