NZ Test debuts for Sopoaga and Broadhurst

Five-eighth Sopoaga and lock Broadhurst are the only two newcomers in an All Blacks side that still doesn’t include left wing Julian Savea because Steve Hansen wants him to improve his fitness before unleashing him against the Wallabies.

The All Blacks coach Steve Hansen realises he’s throwing a couple of new players into one of the hottest cauldrons in world rugby, but it has to happen in a World Cup year.

Sopoaga’s halfback partnership with Aaron Smith helped the Otago Highlanders to their maiden title, while the athletic Broadhurst’s Wellington Hurricanes were losing finalists.

“It doesn’t get much bigger or better than playing South Africa at Ellis Park”, he said.

With Dan Carter being rested, the biggest selection debate for the Test was who would don the number 10 jersey, with Sopoaga, Beauden Barrett and Colin Slade all in contention.

“We know that we will have to step up again this week from our performance against Argentina”. “And in the last 12 to 18 months he’s showed that he is”.

“We are fortunate with the level of depth in the squad to be able to cover for the injuries we sustained last Saturday night against the Springboks”, Cheika said in a news release. “Both players can make an enormous impact on our team”.

In the backs, New South Wales Waratahs scrum- half Nick Phipps and ACT Brumbies center Matt Toomua replace injured pair Will Genia and Matt Giteau, while Joe Tomane takes over from Rob Horne on the wing.

Among the forwards, Queensland Reds veteran prop Greg Holmes will start for the first time since 2007, while Western Force stalwart Ben McCalman returns at No8 and David Pocock comes in at openside flanker, with former captain Hooper on the bench.

The Hurricanes lock will make his worldwide debut against South Africa this weekend. “So he’s got to be right in the heart of it. The tight five is where Test matches are won”.

Succeed there, and a World Cup berth may just be his.

Israel Dagg; Ben Smith, Conrad Smith, Ma’a Nonu, Charles Piutau; Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith; Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Liam Messam; James Broadhurst, Brodie Retallick; Owen Franks, Dane Coles, Tony Woodcock.

There will be plenty of talent in the reserves as well, with young hooker Codie Taylor set to earn his second cap while Malakai Fekitoa will bring impact from the bench.

Australia: Israel Folau; Adam Ashley-Cooper, Tevita Kuridrani, Matt Toomua, Joe Tomane; Bernard Foley, Nick Phipps; James Slipper, Stephen Moore (captain), Greg Holmes; Will Skelton, Rob Simmons; Scott Fardy, David Pocock, Ben McCalman.