AUCKLAND (Reuters) - Kane Hames has been given his first All Blacks start as coach Steve Hansen bolstered his side's pack for their Rugby Championship match against South Africa on Saturday. "They (South Africa) scrummage well, they attack well with the ball and their defence is getting better," Hansen said in a statement on Thursday. We know they're a tough opponent, they're always a tough opponent." Hansen had already signalled that scrumhalf Aaron Smith would return in an effort to speed up the All Blacks game. The All Blacks top the Rugby Championship table, after three straight victories, while South Africa are second having drawn to Australia last week following back-to-back wins over Argentina.

Source: The Star September 13, 2017 17:37 UTC