All Blacks hand out 2 debuts ahead of Boks clash
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All Blacks hand out 2 debuts ahead of Boks clash
The All Blacks have handed first caps to Lima Sopoaga and James Broadhurst for Saturday’s Test at Ellis Park against South Africa.
Sopoaga is rewarded for his impressive form with the Highlanders in Super Rugby which ended in the side winning the Super Rugby title.
Broadhurst meanwhile comes into the second row to partner World Rugby Player of the Year, Brodie Retallick.
Other changes see Dane Coles and Liam Messam return, while Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu are reunited in midfield. Ben Smith is selected on the wing.
Hansen said: "This is a massive Test for us and one the whole group is looking forward to. It doesn't get much bigger or better than playing South Africa at Ellis Park.
"Both teams have a massive amount of respect for each other, both on and off the paddock.
"We know that we will have to step up again this week from our performance against Argentina. Though we were happier with our game last weekend, there is a genuine desire to take it up a level.
Sopoaga is rewarded for his impressive form with the Highlanders in Super Rugby which ended in the side winning the Super Rugby title.
Broadhurst meanwhile comes into the second row to partner World Rugby Player of the Year, Brodie Retallick.
Other changes see Dane Coles and Liam Messam return, while Conrad Smith and Ma’a Nonu are reunited in midfield. Ben Smith is selected on the wing.
Hansen said: "This is a massive Test for us and one the whole group is looking forward to. It doesn't get much bigger or better than playing South Africa at Ellis Park.
"Both teams have a massive amount of respect for each other, both on and off the paddock.
"We know that we will have to step up again this week from our performance against Argentina. Though we were happier with our game last weekend, there is a genuine desire to take it up a level.
