Sam Cane named in New Zealand's starting line up for game against South Africa
Sam Cane will be retiring from international rugby at end of the year
©PA
New Zealand head Scott Robertson has included Scott Barrett and Sam Cane in the starting line up for the upcoming third round Rugby Championship clash against South Africa to be played at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Barrett has recovered from a broken finger that saw him miss the first two matches against Argentina and will captain the side joining Tupou Vaa’i in the second row.
Former captain Cane returns to the side and will be part of the back row that also has Ardie Save and Ethan Blackadder while the front row sees no change with Tamati Williams, Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax retaining their places.
Damian McKenzie continues to take the kicking responsibility with TJ Perenara at scrum half while Beauden Barrett retains his place at fullback. Samipeni Finau, who last played for New Zealand against England at Eden Park is named on the bench.
“To play South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the greatest Tests you can prepare for; we will embrace the occasion,” said Robertson.
“We have a lot of respect for the Springboks and we are looking forward to what will be an electric atmosphere at an iconic venue.”
New Zealand are positioned second in the Rugby Championship table with a win and a defeat apiece in the two matches.
New Zealand XV: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Reserves: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a.
