All Blacks coach Scott Robertson believes debutant Leroy Carter can provide the “point of difference” as one of five starting changes for Saturday’s Rugby Championship showdown with the Springboks in Wellington.
Robertson has turned to the speedster he once called the fastest man in New Zealand rugby, handing Carter his first Test start on the left wing after an impressive rookie Super Rugby season in which he scored nine tries for the Chiefs.
“We knew he was there, and as soon as he committed to Super Rugby, we thought, ‘here we go’,” Robertson said. “He’s extremely quick and we’re excited by his work rate. He competes, and now is his time.”
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Carter, who represented New Zealand at the Paris Olympics with the All Blacks Sevens, replaces Rieko Ioane in the run-on team. The 26-year-old said those big-tournament experiences would stand him in good stead against the world champions.
“I’ve played in some pretty big matches, the Paris Olympics was a big occasion, so hopefully that’ll help,” Carter said. “But this is playing for the All Blacks – the nation’s on your shoulders. It’s going to be a new experience altogether.
“Obviously Cheslin [Kolbe] came through the sevens as well, which is cool, and he’s one of the great wingers at the moment. For me that’s just another challenge. I’m really excited for it, can’t wait.”
A special moment for Leroy Carter 🙌 pic.twitter.com/UzAPpow5AE
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 11, 2025
Robertson has also recalled Damian McKenzie at fullback and Noah Hotham at scrumhalf, with Will Jordan moving to the right wing in place of the injured Emoni Narawa.
In the pack, hooker Samisoni Taukei’aho and tighthead prop Tyrel Lomax return, with the latter tasked to steady the scrum after the Springboks held the upper hand at Eden Park.
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The All Blacks lead the Rugby Championship after last week’s 24-17 win in Auckland, while Rassie Erasmus’ Boks made seven starting changes for the rematch, including five in the backline.
“Rassie’s picked those players for their strengths,” Robertson said. “They can keep the ball in hand and trust their speed, so you prepare for that.”
ALL BLACKS – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (capt), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot
Bench: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.
Your 23 for game two against South Africa 🔥
Leroy Carter named to debut at 11 😤 pic.twitter.com/p0Y896Krs3
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 11, 2025
© Agence France-Presse
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
