The Springboks have brought star hooker Malcolm Marx back into the starting XV for a high-stakes clash with the All Blacks.
Marx and flyhalf Handre Pollard return to the starting team after coming off the bench in Brisbane, in what is a return to their strongest lineup, while Elton Jantjies and Bongi Mbonambi are both on the pine.
Injured winger Makazole Mapimpi returned to South Africa earlier in the week after a knee injury ended his chances of a Wellington start and his absence forced a backline reshuffle.
Jesse Kriel has shifted from outside centre to the right wing and Lukhanyo Am comes in to 13.
Ross Cronje comes into the 23 ahead of Embrose Papier, with Faf de Klerk remaining in the starting nine jersey.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has put plenty of pressure on himself this week and said on Thursday the side would need to improve greatly on its Brisbane outing against the All Blacks.
“We have to deliver a much improved performance against the All Blacks,” he said.
“Keeping our discipline and retaining possession will be key, because New Zealand’s ability to counter from turnover ball is well-known.
“That means we have to be patient, our decision-making must be good and we have to capitalise on the opportunities that we create. The traditional rivalry between the two countries mean we can expect a huge physical battle.”
The All Blacks named their team earlier on Thursday but have already had a change since their initial announcement with Sonny Bill Williams pulling out of his rugby return.
The All Blacks host the Springboks at Wellington Stadium on Saturday September 15, kicking off at 5:35pm AEST, LIVE on FOX SPORTS.
TEAM
IN: Ross Cronje, Lukhanyo Am
OUT: Makazole Mapimpi, Embrose Papier
1. Steven Kitshoff
2. Malcolm Marx
3. Frans Malherbe
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Franco Mostert
6. Siya Kolisi
7. Pieter-Steph Du Toit
8. Warren Whiteley
9. Faf de Klerk
10. Handre Pollard
11. Aphiwe Dyantyi
12. Damian de Allende
13. Lukhanyo Am
14. Jesse Kriel
15. Willie le Roux
Reserves
16. Bongi Mbonambi
17. Tendai Mtawarira
18. Wilco Louw
19. RG Snyman
20. Francois Louw
21. Ross Cronjé
22. Elton Jantjies
23. Cheslin Kolbe
