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Counties Manukau Steelers halfback, Cam Roigard will be back in action for the All Blacks this weekend for the first test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.
Named in coach Dave Rennie’s squad to tackle the Springboks in Johannesburg, Roigard is yet to make a play during the tour to date due to a tight calf muscle.
He is one of four star players returning to the playing side alongside loose forward and captain Ardie Savea, outside back Will Jordan and fullback Damian McKenzie.
These additions help ensure the squad has a balanced mix of big match, experienced players and younger players.
“The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play,” he says.
“We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear. They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”
The game kicks off at 3.10am, this Sunday (August 23) New Zealand time. The entire squad will be champing at the bit to take on the Boks, Rennie expects.
“After all the buildup and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway.”
The team is:
1. Ethan de Groot (43)
2. Codie Taylor (109)
3. Tyrel Lomax (51)
4. Josh Lord (15)
5. Fabian Holland (12)
6. Tupou Vaa’i (47)
7. Luke Jacobson (27)
8. Ardie Savea (109) – Captain
9. Cam Roigard (20)
10. Ruben Love (8)
11. Josh Moorby (2)
12. Jordie Barrett (81)
13. Quinn Tupaea (26)
14. Will Jordan (57)
15. Damian McKenzie (77)
16. Asafo Aumua (22)
17. George Bower (26)
18. Fletcher Newell (37)
19. Anton Segner (2)
20. Peter Lakai (10)
21. Kyle Preston (1)
22. Anton Lienert-Brown (90)
23. Leroy Carter (7)
