There are two injury-enforced changes to the All Blacks side for Saturday’s Rugby Championship test against South Africa in Christchurch.

Despite suggesting the possibility to the contrary last Sunday, Steve Hansen has chosen Ardie Savea to make his run-on test debut in place of Sam Cane against the Springboks, with Matt Todd added to the reserves.

Lima Sopoaga is the other change to the bench; in for Aaron Cruden who’s been ruled out with a groin strain.

Coach Steve Hansen said they will allow Cruden to get it right.

"Cruds has had a groin that's been grumbling away for a wee while. We've got a week off next week and we'd like to be able to give him a couple of weeks if not three weeks just to get that really right."

The All Blacks have released five players for Mitre 10 Cup duty, including previously injured midfield back George Moala.

The full team is Moody, Coles, Franks, Retallick, Whitelock, Kaino, Ardie Savea, Read (captain) Aaron Smith, Barrett, Julian Savea, Crotty, Fekitoa, Dagg and Ben Smith.

The reserves are Taylor, Crockett, Faumuina, Romano, Todd, Perenara, Sopoaga and Lienert-Brown.

Two changes to the Springboks starting fifteen for the test in Christchurch.

Pieter-Steph du Toit replace the injured Lood de Jager at lock and Vincent Koch starts at tighthead prop with Louren Adriaanse moving to the bench.

Malcolm Marx, Willem Alberts and Damian de Allende have also come into the Bok reserves.

Should Marx play, it will be his debut.

LIVE COMMENTARY of the All Blacks vs South Africa on Newstalk ZB, Radio Sport and iHeart Radio from 7.30 on Saturday 17 September