Overview

• Rassie Erasmus has overhauled his XV with seven changes and restored Siya Kolisi as captain, moving Canan Moodie to centre and starting Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu at flyhalf as Jasper Wiese returns at No. 8.
• New Zealand beat South Africa 24-17 at Eden Park to extend their unbeaten run there to 51 matches, with a late Ardie Savea turnover sealing the result after early Bok errors.
• Richie McCaw has joined the All Blacks in Wellington to inspire the squad, with the hosts also managing injuries to Codie Taylor (concussion) and Emoni Narawa (ribs) as Caleb Clarke re-enters contention.
• Lock Tupou Vaa’i said the All Blacks were “well primed” to stop South Africa’s midfield lineout trick play and acknowledged scrum shortcomings are being addressed, while Malcolm Marx accepted blame for misfiring lineouts.
• Ireland have overtaken South Africa in the world rankings after Eden Park, and a Bok win in Wellington would return them to No. 1 as the Freedom Cup and Rugby Championship positioning hang in the balance.