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Veteran hooker Codie Taylor is recalled to captain New Zealand as coach Dave Rennie implements major changes for the final test against South Africa in Baltimore, aiming to energise the squad for a decisive series outcome.
Veteran hooker Codie Taylor has been recalled to the All Blacks and will captain the side as coach Dave Rennie introduced a record‑setting line‑up for the fourth test against South Africa on Saturday in Baltimore.
Taylor, who had been left out of the squad after the 29‑24 loss in Johannesburg, takes the helm in place of the injured captain Ardie Savea. The 35‑year‑old veteran leads a front row that is entirely new, with Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell arriving in the roles previously held by George Bower and Tyrel Lomax.
The set‑piece stalwarts will be supported by Patrick Tuipulotu at lock, who pairs with Sam Darry, and by Tukapo Vaa'i moving to blindside flanker, creating a back row that features Ethan Blackadder on openside and Peter Lakai at number‑eight. Behind the bench, Richie Mo'unga will slot into the fly‑half position that had been occupied by Rubel Love, while Josh Moorby takes the wing spot that had belonged to Leroy Carter.
The centre line sees Anton Lienert‑Brown stepping in to replace Quinn Tupaea.
"We always planned for a number of changes for this match," the coach said. "Every player here has worked incredibly hard over the last seven weeks to prepare the team for the seven games we've played so far, and all those selected for this Test fully deserve it. " Rennie added that the squad has everything to play for in what is being billed as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. New Zealand now trails South Africa 2‑1 in the series.
The final test is staged at Baltimore's M&T Bank Stadium as part of a campaign to raise rugby's profile across the United States ahead of the 2031 World Cup. The All Blacks' line‑up features Damian McKenzie on the wing, Will Jordan, Anton Lienert‑Brown and Jordie Barrett in the midfield, with the likes of Joshua Moorby and Richie Mo'unga further supporting the backline.
The forward pack is anchored by Peter Lakai, Ethan Blackadder and Tupou Vaa'i, with the 15‑1 front row partnership of Fletcher Newell, Codie Taylor, and Ethan de Groot. Replacements include Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Rieko Ioane and Beauden Barrett. The match is expected to be a high‑intensity contest that could determine the final outcome of the four‑test series.
The All Blacks' roster for Saturday reflects a blend of experience and fresh talent, signalling a strategic shift designed to adapt to the South African playing style. The coach emphasized that the collective effort of the selected players is paramount, stating that all members are deserving of the opportunity to contribute.
The tournament's setting in the United States also highlights the growing global reach of rugby, with organizers hoping to attract new fans and inspire a wider audience as the sport moves forward toward the next World Cup. With the series on the line, the upcoming match offers both teams a chance to showcase their skills on a continental stage and underline their legacy within the sport's history
New Zealand All Blacks South Africa Rugby Baltimore