Dave Rennie has named three uncapped players in a 44-man All Blacks squad for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.
All 34 players who completed an unbeaten Nations Championship campaign against Ireland, Italy and France have been retained, with 10 more players added for the demanding seven-week tour.
Among the reinforcements are experienced back Rieko Ioane, who returns after a sabbatical with Leinster, and lock Fabian Holland, who missed the entire Super Rugby season with a dislocated shoulder.
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Ollie Norris, George Bell, Ethan Blackadder, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa have also been recalled.
Rennie has also handed call-ups to three uncapped players in forwards Siale Lauaki and Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, and utility back Josh Jacomb.
Regular captain Scott Barrett remains sidelined through injury, along with prop Tamaiti Williams and wing Leicester Fainga’anuku, meaning Ardie Savea will continue to captain the side.
Savea has, however, been granted an extended break and will miss the opening three tour matches against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls before returning for the first Test against the Springboks.
“This tour will challenge us and demand the very best of us. We have selected a squad that we know is up to the challenge,” said Rennie.
“It’s a balanced blend of experienced Test players and a cohort of younger players who will be keen to work hard and showcase their skillset on tour.
“With eight matches in six weeks, including a four-Test series against the Springboks, this would have to be the toughest tour in rugby.
“Every player will be required to play their part across this tour, whether it’s preparing to play or helping their mates prepare.”
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The tour begins against the Stormers in Cape Town on 7 August before clashes with the Sharks and Bulls ahead of the opening Test at Ellis Park on 22 August.
The second and third Tests will be played at Cape Town Stadium and FNB Stadium respectively, before the series concludes in Baltimore, USA.
The Springboks and All Blacks both head into the series unbeaten after winning all three of their Nations Championship Tests.
All Blacks squad
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Fabian Holland, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner, Ardie Savea (c), Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
Backs: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa.
Your All Blacks to tour South Africa
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— Sky Sport NZ (@skysportnz) July 27, 2026
– AFP
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Three bolters in All Blacks squad, Savea rested appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Dave Rennie has named three uncapped players in a 44-man All Blacks squad for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa.
The post Three bolters in All Blacks squad, Savea rested appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
