New Zealand coach Dave Rennie plans to make changes to his lineup for the fourth and final test against South Africa in Baltimore on Saturday as the All Blacks look to level the series at 2-2.
Rennie will also be forced to name a new captain after Ardie Savea returned to New Zealand with a dislocated shoulder suffered in last weekend’s 29-24 loss in Johannesburg.
Luke Jacobson, who took over as captain for the remainder of that match, will also miss the finale after sustaining an elbow injury.
Codie Taylor, who deputized for Savea earlier in the tour, was dropped for the third test and is unlikely to be recalled for the game in the United States.
Taylor’s place for the third test was taken by Asafo Aumua, who is likely to be named again when Rennie announces the team Thursday.
Both New Zealand and South Africa arrived in the U.S. on Sunday after sharing a chartered plane from Johannesburg.
“We sort of always thought we would make changes in the fourth test regardless of whether we won that third one or not,” Rennie said.
“We want to make sure we are bringing in guys with plenty of energy and to share the load.”
Rennie also has a decision to make at flyhalf.
First-choice Ruben Love has delivered two underwhelming performances in the last two tests, and his spot is under threat from Richie Mo’unga, who last played a test for the All Blacks at the 2023 World Cup in France.
Mo’unga, 32, was called up as an injury replacement as Rennie looks to integrate him into the squad one year out from the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
Rieko Ioane could be the choice at center to replace the injured Quinn Tupaea, who has also returned home.
Rennie believes his bruised and battered side can still square the four-test series dubbed “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.”
“We have definitely got one more in us,” he told reporters.
“There is massive emotional disappointment, but there’s a lot to play for in our minds. We can win this weekend and tie the series 2-2 and will go home knowing we’re in a better spot than when we arrived.”
