Scott Barrett Returns as All Blacks Captain

Scott Barrett returns from injury to captain the All Blacks in their Rugby Championship clash against the Springboks at Ellis Park, alongside former skipper Sam Cane, who is set to make his first start since the Rugby World Cup final. Barrett, who missed the last two tests due to a broken finger, will partner with Tupou Vaa’i in the second row, while Cane joins Ardie Savea and Ethan Blackadder in the back row. Coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of experience as they face a challenging environment in South Africa, stating, "To play South Africa at Ellis Park is one of the greatest Tests you can prepare for." The All Blacks' lineup remains largely unchanged from their last match, with Beauden Barrett at fullback and a 5-3 bench split rather than mirroring the Springboks' 6-2 strategy. The match is a rematch of the closely contested 2023 Rugby World Cup final, which saw the Springboks victorious.