All Blacks call up Sopoaga as flyhalf cover
The All Blacks match day 23 to play teh Springboks in Christchurch on Saturday features just two changes from the team that played Argentina last weekend.
All Blacks Head Coach Steve Hansen said: “We’re really looking forward to Saturday’s encounter, as South Africa is one of our traditional foes. We have built up a great relationship over the last few years and respect the South Africans immensely.”
“We know they’ll be hurting and desperate to get a result after their loss on the weekend. Therefore, our personal preparation this week will have to be at the highest level — bone deep with real clarity,” he added.
“We’ve worked hard this week on improving in the areas we felt weren’t good enough last weekend. We’re confident that those areas have been addressed and our performance will be improved.
“Whilst we have been reasonably happy with our three games to date in the Investec Rugby Championship, we are always striving for improvement and with South Africa having their backs to the wall, we know nothing but our best will be good enough. Accuracy with intensity will be paramount.”
All Blacks v South Africa – key facts
• The All Blacks and South Africa have a history dating back to 1921 when the first Test between the sides was played at Carisbrook, Dunedin. The All Blacks won 13-5 that day.
• Since that day, the sides have played each other 91 times, with 53 wins to the All Blacks, 35 to South Africa and three draws. The most recent match was the 20-18 RWC semifinal last year. The All Blacks 58 percent winning record against South Africa is the lowest of all the team’s traditional rivals.
• All Blacks Captain Kieran Read has now won his first 15 Tests as captain, taking over the world record from All Blacks legend Sir Brian Lochore.
• Beauden Barrett has scored 303 points in first-class rugby already this year, including
• 80 points for the All Blacks. He has scored a total of 225 points in Test matches, which is tenth on the All Blacks list.
• Israel Dagg’s booming penalty goal last weekend was his second for the All Blacks and he is now on 98 points for the All Blacks.