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Damian McKenzie has recovered from injury to take his place in the backfield, and Fabian Holland has forced his way into the starting All Blacks team for the opening test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks atEllis Park this weekend. The All Blacks were sweating on McKenzie’s availability after he rolled his ankle in the second tour win against the Sharks in Durban. He hasn’t been sighted since but has convinced the selectors in training this week that he has sufficiently recovered and is good to go to face the Boks. McKenzie’s ankle will be tested with the Boks set to unleash a high-ball assault on the All Blacks on Sunday morning (NZT), but his recovery allows Dave Rennie to select his preferred backfield combination that brings together three fullbacks, with Will Jordan and Josh Moorby lining up on the edges. Holland’s presence points to the All Blacks attempting to pressure the South African lineout and challenge the Boks halfbacks by attempting charge downs while they repeatedly kick from the base. After selecting their first-choice front row, the All Blacks will be confident of matching the Boks’ vaunted set piece strengths – but if there’s a concern, it could be the potential lack of big, powerful ball carriers in their forward pack. Back up halfback Kyle Preston and loosehead prop George Bower are included in the reserves after injuries to Cortez Ratima and Xavier Numia. Leroy Carter also edges out Fehi Fineanganofo as outside back cover. “After all the build up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first test underway,” Rennie said. “We have selected a balanced mix of big match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first test. “The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play. “We know the test series will be a huge step up. We’re well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear. They are No 1 in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.” Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Anton Segner, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Leroy Carter Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast. Listen to Elliott Smith’s live commentary on Newstalk ZB Sport and iHeartRadio, or join the Alternative Commentary Collective on iHeartRadio and Radio Hauraki.