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Lock Brodie Retallick and prop Wyatt Crockett have failed to get over injuries and will miss the All Blacks’ final Rugby Championship Test against South Africa in Johannesburg.
Their absence forced the only changes to the run-on side that beat Argentina last weekend when New Zealand clinched a third successive title.
Retallick, who has been a dominant performer for the All Blacks this season, came off in the second half of the 34-13 victory at La Plata after copping a head knock.
He was substituted by Jeremy Thrush, who again steps in to take the starting spot against the Springboks on Sunday morning (AEST).
Crockett, who needed stitches after getting a boot to the face, has been replaced by Joe Moody, who gets his first start after four matches off the bench.
At hooker, 118-cap Keven Mealamu retains the No.2 jersey after a strong performance against Argentina, while Dane Coles, back after the birth of his first child, is included in the reserves.
At inside centre, youngster Malakai Fekitoa also keeps his place on the back of a good showing against the Pumas.
In the reserves, fit-again midfielder Ryan Crotty comes in for winger Cory Jane, who has a hamstring strain.
Although the title has been decided, All Blacks coach Steve Hansen says the Ellis Park clash is shaping as another classic New Zealand-South Africa confrontation.
“This group has always believed that enhancing the legacy of the All Blacks is one of its overriding responsibilities, so we will be looking to put in another quality performance on the park,” he said.
“However, we know we will be up against a desperate and determined South African team who will be under a lot of pressure to win, which will make them a very dangerous and formidable opponent.”
Hansen paid tribute to skipper Richie McCaw, who is in line to set the record for most All Blacks matches with his 134th appearance, all but one of which have been in Tests.
“He is a special player who has played each and every one of those games with a huge amount of commitment, passion and mental fortitude,” Hansen said.
“This is reflected in his unwavering will to win and shown by the fact he has won an incredible 89 per cent of all his matches.”
McCaw will go past the great Sir Colin Meads, whose tally included 55 Tests.
All Blacks: Israel Dagg, Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Malakai Fekitoa, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino, Sam Whitelock, Jeremy Thrush, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Joe Moody.
Reserves: Dane Coles, Ben Franks, Charlie Faumuina, Steven Luatua, Liam Messam, Tawera Kerr-Barlow, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.