MBOMBELA, AFP: Under-fire New Zealand coach Ian Foster has made nine changes to the matchday 23 beaten by Ireland last month for a Rugby Championship opener against South Africa in Mbombela on Saturday.

Four of the alterations are in the starting line-up with the other five on the bench as the tourists seek to end a dismal run of four losses in five matches, including two at home to Ireland during July.

Into the team come winger Caleb Clarke, hooker Samson Taukei’aho, tighthead prop Angus Ta’avao and lock Scott Barrett in place of Sevu Reece, Codie Taylor, Nepo Laulala and Brodie Retallick.

Changes among the replacements see backs Finlay Christie and Quinn Tupaea and forwards Ethan de Groot, Tyrel Lomax and Shannon Frizell promoted.

They replace backs Folau Fakatava and Roger Tuivasa-Sheck and forwards Karl Tu’inukuafe, injured Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Dalton Papalii.

Pumas’ Cheika expecting forward battle against Australia