Taylor had to sit out during the All Blacks' recent 54-0 rout of the Sharks in Durban, as well as the opening victory against the Stormers. His return is timely, especially with a significant match against the Springboks looming next weekend at Ellis Park.
The rest of the starting lineup sees substantial rotation from the Durban game. Only five players — Wallace Sititi, Josh Lord, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Emoni Narawa — are retained, all of whom will start from the bench in the upcoming game.
Rennie's refreshed squad features Beauden Barrett taking the fullback position, while Rieko Ioane and Anton Lienert-Brown will handle the midfield. The loose trio and tight five have also been revamped, indicating Rennie's strategy to test new combinations and keep his squad fresh.
"We've managed to build some great momentum this season, and bringing Codie back as captain is key to maintaining this continuity. His experience and leadership are invaluable, especially in high-stakes matches like these."
The team list for the All Blacks is as follows:
- Beauden Barrett
- Leroy Carter
- Rieko Ioane
- Anton Lienert-Brown
- Josh Moorby
- Josh Jacomb
- Cortez Ratima
- Peter Lakai
- Anton Segner
- Simon Parker
- Patrick Tuipulotu
- Fabian Holland
- Tyrel Lomax
- Codie Taylor (c)
- Xavier Numia
- Samisoni Taukei'aho
- George Bower
- Siale Lauaki
- Josh Lord
- Wallace Sititi
- Kyle Preston
- Timoci Tavatavanawai
- Emoni Narawa
The All Blacks' strategic changes and Taylor’s comeback mark an intriguing setup for the match against the Bulls, a team that has historically given the All Blacks competitive games. With the series heating up, this Saturday's game will be crucial for setting the tone ahead of their encounter with the Springboks.
With expectations high, the All Blacks are poised to demonstrate their depth and capability on international rugby's grand stage once again. This match is not just a test of skill but resilience and adaptation under pressure.
