Get ready, rugby fans! The All Blacks are shaking things up for their next Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks in Wellington, with fresh legs and fresh faces ready to dazzle on the field. Scott Robertson, the mastermind coach of New Zealand, is handing over the reins to speed demon Leroy Carter, marking his first Test start on the left wing. After an explosive rookie season with the Chiefs, where he bagged nine tries, Carter is set to bring a new "point of difference" to the team.
"We knew he was there, and as soon as he committed to Super Rugby, we thought, ‘here we go’," Robertson shared, clearly thrilled about Carter's debut. "He’s extremely quick and we’re excited by his work rate. He competes, and now is his time."
"This is playing for the All Blacks – the nation’s on your shoulders. It’s going to be a new experience altogether."
Leroy Carter, replacing the sidelined Rieko Ioane, isn't just any rookie. With a background that includes sprinting across the field at the Paris Olympics with the All Blacks Sevens, Carter is no stranger to high stakes. "I’ve played in some pretty big matches, the Paris Olympics was a big occasion, so hopefully that’ll help," said Carter, eager to test his mettle against the world champions.
Robertson's strategy doesn't stop at Carter. The lineup sees Damian McKenzie reclaiming his spot at fullback and Noah Hotham stepping in as scrumhalf. Over on the right wing, Will Jordan is set to replace the injured Emoni Narawa, while the pack gets a boost from Samisoni Taukei'aho and Tyrel Lomax, the latter stepping in to fortify the scrum after a tough game at Eden Park.
The All Blacks are sitting pretty at the top of the Rugby Championship leader board after outplaying the Boks 24-17 last week in Auckland. But with Rassie Erasmus making sweeping changes to the South African squad, including a fresh backline, Robertson acknowledges the challenge. "Rassie’s picked those players for their strengths," he noted. "They can keep the ball in hand and trust their speed, so you prepare for that."
All eyes will be on Wellington this Saturday to see if the All Blacks' new lineup can hold the fort against a reinvigorated Springbok team. Here’s how they stack up:
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Get ready, rugby fans! The All Blacks are shaking things up for their next Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks in Wellington, with fresh legs and fresh faces ready to dazzle on the field. Scott Robertson, the mastermind coach of New Zealand, is handing over the reins to speed demon Leroy Carter, marking his first Test start on the left wing. After an explosive rookie season with the Chiefs, where he bagged nine tries, Carter is set to bring a new "point of difference" to the team.
"We knew he was there, and as soon as he committed to Super Rugby, we thought, ‘here we go’," Robertson shared, clearly thrilled about Carter's debut. "He’s extremely quick and we’re excited by his work rate. He competes, and now is his time."
"This is playing for the All Blacks – the nation’s on your shoulders. It’s going to be a new experience altogether."
Leroy Carter, replacing the sidelined Rieko Ioane, isn't just any rookie. With a background that includes sprinting across the field at the Paris Olympics with the All Blacks Sevens, Carter is no stranger to high stakes. "I’ve played in some pretty big matches, the Paris Olympics was a big occasion, so hopefully that’ll help," said Carter, eager to test his mettle against the world champions.
Robertson's strategy doesn't stop at Carter. The lineup sees Damian McKenzie reclaiming his spot at fullback and Noah Hotham stepping in as scrumhalf. Over on the right wing, Will Jordan is set to replace the injured Emoni Narawa, while the pack gets a boost from Samisoni Taukei'aho and Tyrel Lomax, the latter stepping in to fortify the scrum after a tough game at Eden Park.
The All Blacks are sitting pretty at the top of the Rugby Championship leader board after outplaying the Boks 24-17 last week in Auckland. But with Rassie Erasmus making sweeping changes to the South African squad, including a fresh backline, Robertson acknowledges the challenge. "Rassie’s picked those players for their strengths," he noted. "They can keep the ball in hand and trust their speed, so you prepare for that."
All eyes will be on Wellington this Saturday to see if the All Blacks' new lineup can hold the fort against a reinvigorated Springbok team. Here’s how they stack up:
ALL BLACKS – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (capt), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot. Bench: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.