Halfback Kyle Preston is poised for a test debut off the bench for the All Blacks against South Africa on Saturday at Eden Park in the Rugby Championship.

The Crusader's backing up Finlay Christie, who's been named to start with Cortez Ratima ruled out due to an injury.

All Blacks assistant coach Scotty Hansen says experts confirmed Ratima wasn't fit to play this time round.

"It wasn't an option this week to play him." 

LISTEN ABOVE

Halfback Kyle Preston is poised for a test debut off the bench for the All Blacks against South Africa on Saturday at Eden Park in the Rugby Championship.
The Crusader's backing up Finlay Christie, who's been named to start with Cortez Ratima ruled out due to an injury.
All Blacks assistant coach Scotty Hansen says experts confirmed Ratima wasn't fit to play this time round.
"It wasn't an option this week to play him."&nbsp;
LISTEN ABOVE

With a straight down the middle approach, Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive on Newstalk ZB delivers the very latest news and views to New Zealanders as they wrap up their day.

Heather du Plessis-Allan Drive

Scotty Hansen: All Blacks assistant coach on the team named to face off against the Springboks at Eden Park

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/261e1618-e082-4771-af8e-b34e006742f9/transcript