All Blacks name three changes for third Test against Springboks

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting lineup for the third Test against the Springboks, with hooker Asafo Aumua, lock Sam Darry, and flanker Peter Lakai set to start at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, September 5, 2026. The match will decide which team takes a series lead before the final Test in Baltimore next week, with the series currently tied 1-1. Aumua replaces Codie Taylor at hooker, while Darry comes into the second row alongside Tupou Vaai, who will earn his 50th Test cap. Lakai takes the number six jersey, with Simon Parker omitted from the matchday squad. The changes push Fabian Holland to the bench, where he is joined by Wallace Sititi, who will make his first Test appearance of the series as a loose forward replacement. The starting backline remains unchanged from the second Test, with Cam Roigard and Ruben Love in the halves, Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea in the midfield, and Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, and Leroy Carter forming the back three. Captain Ardie Savea will lead the side from number eight. Rennie noted the significance of Vaai's milestone. "Tupes is a top man.