Veteran Taylor returns, Mo’unga at No 10 as All Blacks ring changes for final Bok Test
The All Blacks have announced significant lineup changes for their final Test match against South Africa in Baltimore, including the return of Codie Taylor as captain. The match is part of a strategic effort to promote rugby in the United States ahead of the 2031 World Cup.
Why it matters
The series represents a major effort to expand the global footprint of rugby union into the American market.
Veteran hooker Codie Taylor has earned a recall and will captain New Zealand as All Blacks coach Dave Rennie made nine changes for Saturday’s fourth Test against South Africa in Baltimore.
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Taylor, who was dropped from the All Blacks’ squad for the 29-24 third Test defeat in Johannesburg on Saturday, replaces injured skipper Ardie Savea.
The 35-year-old Taylor forms part of an entirely new front row, with Ethan de Groot and Fletcher Newell coming in for George Bower and Tyrel Lomax.
Patrick Tuipulotu comes in at lock to partner Sam Darry, while Tupou Vaa’i moves to blindside flanker in a back row that sees Ethan Blackadder come in at openside with Peter Lakai at No 8.
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