All Blacks make three changes for second Test vs South Africa

The All Blacks have made three changes to their starting lineup for the second Test against South Africa, with winger Leroy Carter replacing Josh Moorby and two injury-enforced adjustments in the forward pack. The match is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, 2026, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, with New Zealand leading the four-Test series 1-0 after a 33-16 victory in the opener at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on August 22.

Coach Dave Rennie confirmed the changes on Thursday, August 27. Loosehead prop George Bower and lock Tupou Vaai come into the starting XV in place of Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, who are unavailable after colliding heads during a tackle in the first Test. Bower, who made an impactful appearance off the bench last week, earns his first Test start since 2022. Vaai shifts from blindside flanker to lock, with Simon Parker moving into the No. 6 jersey. The reshuffle also sees prop Xavier Numia and lock Patrick Tuipulotu added to the reserves.

In the backline, the only alteration is on the left wing, where Carter, a former Sevens specialist, takes over from Moorby, who scored a try in the first Test but has been moved to the bench. The rest of the backline remains...