Scott Barrett Returns to Captain New Zealand in Rugby Championship

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett is back from injury to lead the team in their Rugby Championship match against South Africa at Ellis Park. The lineup includes notable players like Sam Cane, Beauden Barrett, and Damian McKenzie, with Coach Scott Robertson opting for a 5-3 split on the bench.

New Zealand captain Scott Barrett has recovered from a broken finger to lead the team in their upcoming Rugby Championship test against South Africa at Ellis Park on Saturday. Former skipper Sam Cane will also be starting in the game against the reigning world champions. Barrett, who missed the first two tests against Argentina, will return to the second row alongside Tupou Vaa'i.

Codie Taylor will start at hooker, flanked by props Tamaiti Williams and Tyrel Lomax in a strong front row. Sam Cane will join Ethan Blackadder and Ardie Savea in the back row. Beauden Barrett retains his fullback position, with Will Jordan and Caleb Clarke on the wings. Jordie Barrett will pair with Rieko Ioane at center, while Damian McKenzie and TJ Perenara will continue as flyhalf and scrumhalf, respectively.

Coach Scott Robertson has decided not to mirror South Africa's 6-2 split between forwards and backs on the bench. Instead, he will utilize a 5-3 split, featuring scrumhalf Cortez Ratima, center Anton Lienert-Brown, and Mark Tele'a as the three back options. Robertson expressed great respect for the Springboks and looked forward to an electric atmosphere at the historic Ellis Park.

(With inputs from agencies.)