New Zealand’s second-row stalwart, Sam Whitelock, is set to join the illustrious ranks of Richie McCaw as the most capped All Black when he steps onto the field for his 148th appearance. In a noteworthy development, Damian McKenzie is slated to make his first-ever Rugby World Cup test start at fly-half. These momentous changes come as New Zealand’s head coach, Ian Foster, reveals his 23-man squad for the clash against Namibia, scheduled for Stadium de Toulouse on Friday, September 15.
Here’s the complete lineup:
- Ofa Tuungafasi
- Samisoni Taukei’aho
- Nepo Laulala
- Brodie Retallick
- Samuel Whitelock
- Luke Jacobson
- Dalton Papali’i
- Ardie Savea ©
- Cam Roigard
- Damian McKenzie
- Leicester Fainga’anuku
- David Havili
- Anton Lienert-Brown
- Caleb Clarke
- Beauden Barrett
Substitutes:
- Dane Coles
- Ethan de Groot
- Fletcher Newell
- Scott Barrett
- Tupou Vaa’i
- Aaron Smith
- Richie Mo’unga
- Rieko Ioane
The lineup sees nine changes from New Zealand’s opening match against France, with notable names like Nepo Laulala, Sam Whitelock, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Beauden Barrett, and Anton Lienert-Brown retaining their positions.
Sam Whitelock is poised to reach a historic milestone, matching Richie McCaw as the most capped All Black in test history when he makes his 148th appearance. He currently sits just behind Alun Wyn Jones, who boasts 171 caps and holds the title of the most capped player in world rugby. In his 21st Rugby World Cup test, Whitelock trails only England’s Jason Leonard and New Zealand’s Richie McCaw, who share the all-time appearance record with 22.
Damian McKenzie, a dynamic presence on the field, is all set to make his Rugby World Cup debut in his 43rd test for the All Blacks. His journey to this moment was interrupted by an Achilles injury in Super Rugby in 2019, preventing him from participating in RWC 2019.
Cam Roigard is one of three players in the match-day team making their Rugby World Cup debut, alongside the explosive Caleb Clarke and McKenzie, promising an injection of youthful vigor into the squad.
Ardie Savea stands as the only All Black to have started all six tests in the current season, showcasing his exceptional durability. Against France, he displayed his defensive prowess, completing 100% of his tackle attempts while also leading the team with 15 defensive rucks.
In his 19th test, Caleb Clarke is on the brink of equaling his father Eroni’s test record for the All Blacks. Eroni scored six tries across 10 tests for New Zealand between 1992 and 1998 but never had the opportunity to participate in a Rugby World Cup.
