Overview
- Australia host Argentina in Townsville and New Zealand face South Africa at Eden Park on Saturday, September 6.
- Joe Schmidt restored captain Harry Wilson at No. 8 and Tom Lynagh at flyhalf, with Andrew Kellaway named at fullback after Tom Wright’s season-ending knee injury.
- Felipe Contepomi handed Santiago Carreras the No. 10 jersey, brought Marcos Kremer into the back row and started Joel Sclavi at tighthead prop for Argentina.
- Rassie Erasmus confirmed Siya Kolisi fit to start at No. 8 with Jesse Kriel remaining captain and Willie le Roux returning at fullback for the Springboks.
- Eden Park’s context looms large with the All Blacks unbeaten there since 1994 and South Africa seeking a first Auckland win since 1937, while Ardie Savea marks his 100th test; separately, Deon Fourie captains Western Province in his 100th Currie Cup match.