The China Mail - Taylor to captain New Zealand for first time against Bulls

The 35-year-old is the acting tour captain until loose forward Ardie Savea, who is resting, arrives ahead of the first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg on August 22.

Lock Patrick Tuipulotu led the All Blacks in a tour-opening 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town and flanker Luke Jacobson was the skipper in a 54-0 romp against the Sharks.

"Huge congratulations to Codie on his first All Blacks captaincy. He is a top man and has done a great job leading this tour group," said head coach Dave Rennie.

"This is a proud moment for an All Blacks centurion who has made a massive contribution to this team as a player and a leader."

Taylor forms a front row of tour debutants as loosehead prop Xavier Numia and tighthead Tyrel Lomax also watched tour wins over the Stormers and Sharks from the stands.

The inclusions of the trio mean only three of the 44-man squad have yet to play on a tour marketed as the 'Greatest Rivalry'. It includes four Tests and four games against franchises.

Wing Will Jordan, who scored six tries in Nations Championship matches during July, and scrum-half Cam Roigard are recovering from injuries.

Utility back Richie Mo'unga was unavailable after being added to the squad only in midweek as a replacement for injured centre Billy Proctor.

Mo'unga is the second newcomer to the original travelling party as a calf strain suffered during pre-tour training in Cape Town ruled out hooker George Bell. Bradley Slater took his place.

After outclassing a Sharks team lacking many regulars due to Springbok call-ups and injuries, Rennie expects a tougher encounter against the Bulls.

"The Bulls have consistently been the best South African franchise side, making four of the last five United Rugby Championship finals," he said.

"Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead.

"This is also our final hit out before the first Test match against the Springboks, so it is an important game for us.

"There is healthy competition for Test spots so this is another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection."

New Zealand (15-1)

Beauden Barrett; Leroy Carter, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby; Josh Jacomb, Cortez Ratima; Peter Lakai, Anton Segner, Simon Parker; Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland; Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor (capt), Xavier Numia

Replacements: Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bower, Siale Lauaki, Josh Lord,  Wallace Sititi,  Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa

Coach: Dave Rennie (NZL)

O.Tse--ThChM