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Carter to make Test debut in All Blacks' rematch with Springboks
Sport Nation • September 11th, 2025 12:15 pm
Leroy Carter | Photo: Photosport
Scott Robertson has announced the 23-man All Blacks squad for their rematch with the Springboks in Wellington on Saturday night.
The deck has been shuffled from last weekend’s victory at Eden Park as they look to go one further and earn their first win against the Boks in Wellington for over a decade.
Sevens star Leroy Carter has been named to make his Test debut on the wing at the expense of Rieko Ioane, who's been dropped from the squad altogether.
Will Jordan shifts to the opposite wing to cover the injured Emoni Narawa, with Damian McKenzie coming in to start at fullback.
Halfback Noah Hotham has returned from injury to make the starting fifteen, with Finlay Christie providing cover.
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With Codie Taylor on concussion stand-down, Samisoni Taukei’aho will start at hooker and Brodie McAlister comes on to the bench.
The only other change to the team that beat South Africa last weekend is a swap between props Tyrel Lomax and Fletcher Newell, with Lomax starting this week.
A win would not only break the hoodoo at Sky Stadium but would surely see the ABs retain their spot at the top of the Rugby Championship table heading into what would be a title deciding double-header against the Wallabies.
"It is an awesome opportunity to face South Africa in front of a sell-out home crowd for a second week in a row," said Robertson. "Every Test match has its own story line and this one will be another passionate battle.
"We are excited to inject Leroy into the backline this week and watch what he creates with his speed and skillset.
"He has trained hard and put himself into the position where he is ready to perform on Saturday night. It is a special occasion for him and his family.”
All Blacks team to play South Africa
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (C), 5. Tupou Vaa'i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Noah Hotham , 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett (VC), 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie
Bench: 16. Brodie McAlister 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Du'Plessis Kirifi, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Ruben Love
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