All Blacks team to play Sharks in Durban

Bradley Slater’s All Blacks career is off to a whirlwind start, with the hooker flying in to join the squad just five days ago as a replacement for the injured George Bell.  Slater is set to make his All Blacks debut from the bench alongside loose forward Semisi Ta'eiloa.

Meanwhile, seven players from the All Blacks team that beat the DHL Stormers 38-21 on Friday have again been named in the 23 for this second match of the tour.

Hooker Asafo Aumua, lock Sam Darry, halfback Kyle Preston, and wing Caleb Clarke, who all came off the bench in Cape Town, will start in Durban.

Prop Pasilio Tosi, who started in the DHL Stormers game, will provide impact from the bench, alongside fellow prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Ethan Blackadder, who get their second bench start of the tour.

Luke Jacobson will captain the All Blacks for the first time.

“Luke is the obvious choice to captain the team against the Sharks. He is highly respected, has a great feel for the game and will lead through his actions,” said Rennie.

“Two more players will pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time against the Sharks. On behalf of the whole squad, I want to congratulate Semisi and Bradley on achieving this very special milestone, and I know their family and friends will be incredibly proud.

“The opening match gave the players a real introduction to the way that South African teams play and the Sharks will be no different. With a short turnaround between games, today has been a big day of preparation. There is a lot of excitement in the group, with the majority of the squad about to play their first game of the tour.”

The match kicks off at 19h00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport. Tickets are still available - [**CLICK HERE**](https://springboks.tmtickets.co.za/EDP/Event/Index/34).

**New Zealand:** 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Kyle Preston, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Luke Jacobson (captain), 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 Ethan de Groot. **Replacements:** 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Ethan Blackadder, 20 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 21 Cam Roigard, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.

**MATCH FACTS** 

- The All Blacks have played six matches against the Sharks predecessor, Natal, winning five of the matches, with one drawn.  They recorded wins in 1928, 1949, 1970, 1976 and 1992, with the 6-6 draw in 1960. The first two games were played at Alexandra Park in the city of Pietermaritzburg (1928) and Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban (1949) with all other games played at King Park Stadium.
- All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke’s father, Eroni, played twice in Durban. He played at second five-eighth in the 1992 match against Natal and centre in the 1998 Test against the Springboks.

Source: Original report at SA Rugby.