All Blacks make two changes for World Cup showdown with Springboks

The All Blacks have made two changes to their matchday squad for the Rugby World Cup Final against the Springboks at the Stade de France on Saturday.

Brodie Retallick's return to the starting line-up is the only tweak to the XV that ran out for the one-sided victory over Argentina in the semi-finals last weekend.

He takes the spot of Sam Whitelock who rotates to bench duty, as Scott Barrett continues in the engine room alongside Retallick for the massive game in Paris.

Elsewhere, the only other alteration to the 23 comes among the replacements as Nepo Laulala is preferred over Fletcher Newell as backup tighthead prop.

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Laulala's inclusion means that he is set to face off with in-form Springboks loosehead Ox Nche in the second period in what could be a vital showdown.

With 1387 Test caps, this is the All Blacks˜ most experienced line-up to play a Rugby World Cup Final as they go in search of a fourth Webb Ellis Cup triumph.

"It's an honour to fly our nation's flag in the World Cup final once again," said head coach Ian Foster, who opts for consistency after strong recent showings.

"We are proud of what we have achieved so far in this tournament, but the job is not done yet and we know full well the challenge that lies ahead (on Saturday).

"Of the seven World Cups that have been held outside of New Zealand, the All Blacks have only managed to win one. It goes to show how hard it is to do but this group is determined to work hard for each other, as we have done all year."

The backline is unchanged for the final as Aaron Smith and Richie Mo'unga start as the half-backs while Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane are the midfield.

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Behind them are in-form wings Mark Telea and Will Jordan, the latter currently sitting on eight tries this tournament, with Beauden Barrett in the 15 jersey.

Foster added: "Once again we've felt the support of an entire nation behind us. We'll definitely carry that with us when we go to Stade de France on Saturday."

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Mark Tele™a, 10 Richie Mo™unga, 9 Aaron Smith, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane (c), 6 Shannon Frizell, 5 Scott Barrett, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot

Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei'aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Nepo Laulala, 19 Samuel Whitelock, 20 Dalton Papali™i, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown

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