Richie Mo'unga back for All Blacks clash with Springboks but Eben Etzebeth a doubt following bereavement

New Zealand coach Ian Foster has restored Richie Mo'unga to starting fly-half and dropped Damian McKenzie from his matchday 23 while welcoming back a slew of reinforcements for their Rugby Championship game against South Africa on Saturday (8.05am Irish time).

McKenzie played in the number 10 jersey for the 41-12 victory over Argentina in Mendoza last week but has made way for the more experienced Mo'unga for the match in Auckland.

Mo'unga's other rival for the playmaking position, Beauden Barrett, has retained his spot at full-back for the defending champions.

Winger Will Jordan returns to the starting 15 after battling a migraine issue and replaces Emoni Narawa, who made his test debut on the right wing against the Pumas.

Mark Telea replaces the demoted Caleb Clarke on the other wing.

Foster has largely opted for stability in his forward pack while welcoming back veteran lock Brodie Retallick and hooker Codie Taylor.

Retallick returns to partner Scott Barrett in the second row, replacing Josh Lord, while Taylor replaces Dane Coles.

With world champions South Africa thumping Australia 43-12 in Pretoria last week, Saturday's sell-out clash at Mount Smart Stadium could prove decisive in the abridged championship in the lead-up to the World Cup in France.

"There is a lot of respect between the two nations and that usually translates to an epic battle on the field," Foster (above) said.

"This will be a significant challenge and we are determined to grow after a solid start to the Rugby Championship in Argentina last week.

"It has been four years since we last played South Africa here in New Zealand so that also makes it special."

Uncapped prop Tamaiti Williams will hope to make his test debut after being named on the bench.

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