ALL BLACKS: Rennie gambles on lock combo for third test
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has announced significant changes to his team's tight five for the third test against the Springboks. The lineup includes a new lock pairing of Tupou Vaa’i and Sam Darry, alongside other tactical adjustments to address previous lineout struggles.
Why it matters
This match is a pivotal moment in the 'Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry' series, with tactical changes signaling a high-stakes attempt to regain momentum against a formidable Springbok side.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has rolled the dice, changing up his tight five for the crucial third Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry test against the Springboks at FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
Rennie, whose side won the first test but lost the second against the Boks, has tried to fix a lineout that faltered in Cape Town, and has decided to rejig the tight five to try and achieve just that.
Tupou Vaa’i will play his 50th test for the All Blacks in the process and will be partnered by 10 test lock Sam Darry - which is surprising because the All Blacks were expected to keep Fabian Holland in the second row and there was talk of a returning Josh Lord to the side for the clash after he had recovered from concussion.
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