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Live sport on SN this weekend'Everything to play for': All Blacks name side for crucial third Test
Sport Nation • September 3rd, 2026 10:00 pm
Tupou Vaa'i will play his 50th All Blacks Test on Saturday | Photo: Anton Geyser/action press
The All Blacks have named their team to face South Africa in the third Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Sunday morning (NZT).
With the series locked at one-all, the match will decide who sits in the drivers seat, with the winning side unable to lose the four-Test series.
“There’s everything to play for,” All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie said.
“The team that doesn’t win this weekend can’t win the series. That’s the kind of challenge we love to rise to.”
Tupou Vaa’i will mark his 50th Test appearance, while Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Fletcher Newell and Luke Jacobson will also reach significant milestones.
“Tupes is a top man. It’ll be a special day for him and his family and additional motivation for us,” Rennie said.
The All Blacks have made several changes from the side that played in the second Test, with Asafo Aumua starting at hooker, Sam Darry coming into the second row and Peter Lakai named at No. 6.
Wallace Sititi | Photo: Photosport
Wallace Sititi returns to the match-day squad as loose-forward impact, while Fabian Holland moves to the bench.
Rennie said the team was refreshed after a full week to prepare for the decider.
“The team is feeling fresh after a full week’s lead in to the game and we can’t wait to put everything out on the park.”
The All Blacks coach also acknowledged the support they have received from New Zealand and travelling fans.
“We’ve really felt the support not only from our travelling army of Kiwi fans and fans here in South Africa, but also the New Zealand public back home,” Rennie said.
“It’s been massive for us and we look forward to more of the same this weekend.”
The third Test kicks off at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg at 3.10am, Sunday (NZT).
All Blacks squad for second Test vs South Africa:
1. George Bower, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Tupou Vaa’i, 5. Sam Darry, 6. Peter Lakai, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (captain), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17. Xavier Numia, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Josh Moorby.
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