Powerful left wing Caleb Clarke will play his first Test in two years as part of a new-look All Blacks match-day 23 for the opening Rugby Championship Test against the Springboks on Saturday.

Clarke, who was ruled out of the Ireland series due to injury having last played for New Zealand in 2020, replaces Sevu Reece at No 11 for the crunch clash with the world champions at Mbombela Stadium.

Samisoni Taukei’aho has been named at hooker in the run-on Kiwis side, alongside tighthead prop Angus Ta’avao in a new-look front row.

New faces make up the front-row cover, with Tyrel Lomax and Ethan de Groot named for the first time this season. 

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In the tight five, lock Scott Barrett returns from injury, while Akira Ioane retains his spot at blindside flank in the loose-forward trio, alongside captain Sam Cane and Ardie Savea.

“What a great way to start this year’s Rugby Championship. It’s always an exciting tournament to be part of,” head coach Ian Foster said. “This year’s draw means we have a massive challenge of two games here in South Africa.

“We have settled in well in Mbombela and are preparing for what is always an intense game against our old foe.

“Many of our squad are here in South Africa for the first time. This gives us another opportunity to add new experiences and grow our game.”

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All Blacks – 15 Jordie Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 David Havili, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Akira Ioane, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Sam Whitelock, 3 Angus Ta’avao, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 George Bower.
Subs: 16 Dane Coles, 17 Ethan de Groot, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Tupou Vaa’i, 20 Shannon Frizell, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Richie Mo’unga, 23 Quinn Tupaea.

Photo: Mark Kolbe/Getty Images