Rampaging No.8 Luke Jacobson has been forced out of the All Blacks pack for Saturday's 100th showdown with South Africa at Townsville.
Jacobson has been diagnosed with a stomach bug just hours before kickoff and his absence sees a reshuffle of the NZ loose forwards, with captain Ardie Savea switching from openside flanker to the back of the scrum and Ethan Blackadder moving from the bench to the No.7 jersey.
Hoskins Sotutu is promoted into the matchday reserves.
Jacobson's All Blacks career got off to a shaky start, when concussions plagued his entry into the national team, but he has finally found his niche and starred in a starting role against Argentina earlier this month.
Blackadder has also impressed with his opportunities during this campaign, while Sotutu showed he has lost none of his impact, when given his chance against the Pumas last week.
All Blacks: 1-Joe Moody, 2-Codie Taylor, 3-Nepo Laulala, 4-Brodie Retallick, 5-Scott Barrett, 6-Akira Ioane, 7-Ethan Blackadder, 8-Ardie Savea (captain), 9-TJ Perenara, 10-Beauden Barrett, 11-George Bridge, 12-David Havili, 13-Rieko Ioane, 14-Will Jordan, 15-Jordie Barrett.
Reserves: 16-Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17-Karl Tui'nukuafe, 18-Ofa Tuungafasi, 19-Patrick Tuipulotu, 20-Hoskins Sotutu, 21-Brad Weber, 22-Damian McKenzie, 23-Quinn Tupaea
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks v Springboks 100th test at Townsville
