Ardie Savea reaches 100th All Blacks test cap against South Africa at Eden Park Saturday

New Zealand selectors announced their All Blacks team Thursday, September 4 for Saturday's, September 6, Rugby Championship match against South Africa at Eden Park. The match kicks off at 7:05 PM NZST and will be broadcast live on Sky Sport.

Scott Barrett captains the side, with Ardie Savea and Jordie Barrett serving as vice-captains. The team features significant milestone achievements and roster changes following injuries to key players.

Also read: Shane Christie, former NZ rugby player, dies aged 39 following long concussion struggles

Ardie Savea set to join elite All Blacks centurion club

Loose forward Ardie Savea will become the All Blacks' 15th Test centurion and fourth loose forward to reach 100 caps. Savea debuted for the All Blacks in 2016 against Wales after representing New Zealand in Under 20s and Sevens rugby.

The 99-cap veteran has faced South Africa on 15 previous occasions, including serving as All Blacks captain in the 100th Test against the Springboks in 2021. Savea holds the record for most Test tries by an All Blacks forward with 30 tries across 99 appearances.

Kyle Preston poised for All Blacks debut against South Africa

Halfback Kyle Preston earned his first All Blacks selection and sits on the bench for a likely debut Saturday night. The 25-year-old would become the All Blacks' eighth debutant in 2024 if he enters the match.

Preston made his Bunnings Warehouse NPC debut for Wellington in 2023, becoming their leading try scorer in 2024. He progressed to Super Rugby with the Crusaders this season, scoring a hat trick of tries in his debut match.

Also read: Leroy Carter’s All Blacks call-up nearly derailed by family dog

Head Coach Robertson praises experience and new talent mix

All Blacks Head Coach Scott Robertson highlighted the combination of veteran leadership and emerging talent in the match-day squad.

"Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black. He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership, and mana every time he pulls on the jersey. We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day," Robertson said.

"Ardie is one of three centurions in the match day 23 to play South Africa, while Kyle Preston is joined by three other players who have debuted for the All Blacks this year. As with all of our debutants, we know that Kyle will rise to the challenge in the black jersey. He is a skilful player who has proven his ability to drive a game and make smart decisions in pressure moments."

Team changes address injury concerns for All Blacks

Several roster adjustments reflect injury concerns within the All Blacks squad. Preston takes the bench position previously held by Finlay Christie, who moves to starting halfback following Cortez Ratima's rib fracture.

Wallace Sititi shifts to the starting lineup at number 8, while Simon Parker moves to the 6 position. Tupou Vaa'i transitions from loose forward to lock, with Fabian Holland moving to an impact role off the bench.

Also read: All Blacks name Simon Parker for Rugby Championship debut against Argentina

Players unavailable for selection include Patrick Tuipulotu (facial fracture), Cortez Ratima (rib fracture), Timoci Tavatavanawai (fractured radius), Cam Roigard (foot stress fracture), and Noah Hotham (high ankle sprain).

All Blacks vs South Africa historical matchup statistics

The Saturday contest marks the 109th meeting between the All Blacks and Springboks. New Zealand holds a 62-42-4 record in the historical series with South Africa.

Recent matches between the teams have produced close results, with the last three contests decided by six points or fewer. The Springboks have won their last four matches against the All Blacks, including the Rugby World Cup final.

The All Blacks maintain an unbeaten streak of 50 Test matches at Eden Park, recording 48 wins and two draws since their last home defeat. The venue has proven challenging for visiting teams, including South Africa.