All Blacks captain, Richie McCaw is tipped to start at No 8 against South Africa.
Adam Thomson is expected to be given the chance to affirm his status as the best backup open side for the Rugby World Cup.
With Kieran Read one of four players being rested this week, it appears McCaw will be named on Thursday at the back of the scrum.
It would mark the first time the All Blacks captain has not started in his accustomed No.7 jersey during his 95 test career.
If named it would continue a trend of McCaw being groomed as Read's backup at the back of the scrum.
The All Blacks and Springboks Tri Nations match kicks off 7.35pm this Saturday.
Story by: Dhanjay Deo
McCaw likely to play at number 8
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