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Savea unleashed on Boks

The arch rivals, the All Blacks and Springboks, go head-to-head in the fourth round of the Rugby Championship in Christchurch on Saturday.

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Ardie Savea comes in for the injured Sam Cane in the No.7 jersey.

Matt Todd comes into the 23 as loose forward cover.

Lima Sopoaga comes into the matchday 23, replacing Aaron Cruden, who has a groin strain.

"We're really looking forward to Saturday's encounter, as South Africa is one of our traditional foes," All Black coach Steve Hansen said.

"We have built up a great relationship over the last few years and respect the South Africans immensely.

"We know they'll be hurting and desperate to get a result after their loss on the weekend.  

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"Therefore, our personal preparation this week will have to be at the highest level – bone deep with real clarity," he added.

"We've worked hard this week on improving in the areas we felt weren't good enough last weekend.

"We're confident that those areas have been addressed and our performance will be improved.

"Whilst we have been reasonably happy with our three games in the Rugby Championship, we are always striving for improvement and with South Africa having their backs to the wall, we know nothing but our best will be good enough.  Accuracy with intensity will be paramount."

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New Zealand: 15 Ben Smith, 14 Israel Dagg, 13 Malakai Fekitoa, 12 Ryan Crotty, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Kieran Read (captain), 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Sam Whitelock, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Joe Moody.

Replacements: 16 Codie Taylor, 17 Wyatt Crockett, 18 Charlie Faumuina, 19 Luke Romano, 20 Matt Todd, 21 TJ Perenara, 22 Lima Sopoaga, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.

Date: Saturday, September 17

Venue: AMI Stadium, Christchurch

Kick-off: 19.35 (09.35 SA time, 07.35 GMT)

Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)

Assistant referees: Pascal Gauzère (France), Marius Mitrea (Italy)

TMO: George Ayoub (Australia)

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