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All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has praised “the benchmark” for Rassie Erasmus after naming his first team to face the Kiwis’ biggest foes, ignoring his feud with senior coach Leon McDonald.
Scott Barrett will return as All Blacks captain after suffering a finger injury in Sunday’s Rugby Championship match against South Africa at Ellis Park.
Barrett, who missed the last two Test matches against Argentina with a fractured finger, is one of three players scheduled to play in the 38-30 win over Argentina at Eden Park on Sunday.
Sam Kane was named in the openside for the 97th Test, his first start since last year’s Rugby World Cup final, while blindside Samifeni Finau was in the reserves. Finau’s last Test was in the All Blacks’ 24-17 win over England at Eden Park in July.
Kane replaces Dalton Papalie, who is sidelined with a thumb injury.
“Sam has done an incredible job for us off the pitch,” Robertson said.
“He has the opportunity to be a Test veteran that we need at Highveld. He’s got all the experience, he’s got the poise, he’s got a really good, strong arm. So we’re excited about him.”
The Springboks made changes to their squad announced on Thursday, adding veteran Eben Etzebes to the bench after recovering from a knee injury.
At a media conference after the team was announced, Robertson was asked just one question about his decision to part ways with former teammate Leon McDonald after just five games on a four-year deal.
Asked if the team’s preparations had been affected by the coaching upheaval, Robertson said: “No, we’re really clear. We’ve had a good week here, thank you.”
Before that, he had answered questions about Boks coach Erasmus more passionately.
“We’ve been having a few beers and chatting after games for years,” Robertson said.
“We’ve had a great relationship. When you see the players coaching after the game, and you see his journey and how he got to where he is now, it’s quite an amazing story, isn’t it?
“He had won two World Cups, he was brilliant in the box and had seven attackers on the bench.
“It’s amazing. It really makes you think, he’s his own person, and it tells you what’s going on in his head, it’s really unique.
“He’s one of the benchmarks, that’s for sure. You’ve had all that success, and you have to respect that.”
(Photo courtesy of Hannah Peters/Getty Images)
The two teams last met in a World Cup final, with Vokes winning 12-11 after Kane was sent off.
Robertson said the players know it’s a close team affair.
“They knew about that little difference in that game and we just missed a couple of kicks and it went both ways. So it’s probably a reflection of Test match rugby, how tight it is and how tight these games have been throughout history.
“There were a few games where either the All Blacks or the Springboks could have blown out, but at least in the second half they weren’t too far apart and that was a final, right?”
Robertson said the biggest consideration in drafting 23 players was “experience and balance of combination and good vision for the bench because I think that’s going to be important.”
“Everyone knows how South Africa play. Their kicking game is exemplary, their ruck work. There’s a bit of Tony Brown magic there, and they can get away with you when they need to. So… we know all their strengths, but probably the one thing that always comes with a Springbok team is their physicality.”
Meanwhile, the manager defended the selection of Rieko Ioane, who has been criticised for his poor performances this year.
“Rico has been around for a long time and has taken the feedback he needs to be an All Black starter and we are seeing that,” Robertson said.
All Blacks match on the 23rd (Test cap in parentheses)
1. Tamaithi Williams (9)
2. Cody Taylor (89)
3. Tyrell Lomax (36)
4. Scott Barrett (72) (Captain)
5. Two-four bye (30)
6. Lee Sun Blackladder (13)
7. Sam Cain (96)
8. Ardi Savea (86) (Vice Captain)
9. TJ Perenara (84)
10. Damien McKenzie (52)
11. Caleb Clark (22)
12. Jordie Barrett (62) (Vice Captain)
13. Rieko Ioan (73)
14. Will Jordan (33)
15. Beauden Barrett (128)
16. Asafo Aumua (11)
17. Opa Tuungapasi (61)
18. Fletcher Newell (18)
19. Agent Sam (3)
20. Champagne Discussion (3)
21. Cortes Latima (4)
22. Anton Lienert Brown (75)
23. Mark Telea (13)
