Dave Rennie adds surprise selections in All Blacks squad for South Africa, Ardie Savea to miss start of tour
Even in an extended squad of 44, Dave Rennie and the All Blacks selectors have managed to serve up a few surprises as they prepare to tour South Africa.
The squad are set to head out on an eight-match tour, including four tests against the Springboks and four games against franchise teams, which begins with a game against the Stormers next Saturday morning (NZT).
All 34 players selected for the July Nations Championship window have been retained, with a further 10 players added.
There were three uncapped players among the 10 additions, with first five-eighths Josh Jacomb, tighthead prop Siale Lauaki and loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa all included.
Crusaders flanker Ethan Blackadder also joins the loose forward stocks for what would be his first appearance in the black jersey since 2024, should he get a run. The additions again leave no room in the squad for Hurricanes co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi.
Ollie Norris, who made his All Blacks debut in 2025, returns among the loosehead options, with four-test All Black George Bell recalled as the fourth option at hooker.
Bruising lock Fabian Holland has been selected after his successful return from a shoulder injury in Otago’s Ranfurly Shield defence over Mid Canterbury at the weekend. That leaves no room in the squad for Jamie Hannah, who was included in the Nations Championship squad as injury cover and made his debut in the win over France.
In the backline, Timoci Tavatavanawai has been included as an additional midfield option, with Emoni Narawa among the additions to the outside backs.
Narawa’s joined there by veteran Rieko Ioane, who has been included in an official capacity after joining the squad as injury cover ahead of the test against Ireland in Auckland a fortnight ago.
Lock Scott Barrett, prop Tamaiti Williams and utility player Leicester Fainga’anuku remain unavailable due to injuries.
“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. 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,” Rennie said.
“We are thrilled for those players who will have the opportunity to pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time, and welcome back those who are returning to the group.
“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.
“It will be an intense seven weeks of touring but an excellent opportunity for us to pit ourselves against the current benchmark team in world rugby, and to build connections with each other in a way that only a tour of this scale can do. What we learn about ourselves on- and off-field will set us up well for the Rugby World Cup in 2027.”
Rennie also noted that the games against the franchise teams would be an opportunity for other players to step in as captain, with Ardie Savea only joining the team in South Africa ahead of the first test against the Springboks on August 23.
That will see the incumbent captain miss three of the four games against the franchise teams, with the All Blacks playing the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls before the first test.
It comes with Savea having effectively played a straight run of top competitive rugby for the past 18 months, having gone straight from the 2025 test campaign into the Japanese season.
“Ardie has carried a massive workload in the last couple of years and we think it is best for him to have an extended break so he can come back ready to lead us into the test series. We have a number of excellent leaders in our squad who will embrace the chance to captain the side,” Rennie said.
All Blacks squad to tour South Africa
Loosehead props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris.
Tighthead props: Fletcher Newell, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki.
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell.
Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu.
Loose forwards: Ardie Savea (c), Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder, Anton Segner, Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston.
First five-eighths: Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb.
Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa.
Unavailable due to injury: Scott Barrett (back), Tamaiti Williams (back), Leicester Fainga’anuku (leg).
Three halfbacks
Cameron McMillan
No room for a fourth halfback, which means Noah Hotham misses out, though there are three first five-eighths named.
However, Damian McKenzie has started at fullback in the opening three games this season.
Expect to see Beauden Barrett start against the Stormers, with maybe Josh Jacomb to figure in the final tour game against the Lions.
Josh Jacomb
Cameron McMillan
A proven points-scoring machine with both the boot and tries, 25-year-old Josh Jacomb (born June 23, 2001) has a composure and game-management skillset which belies his age.
Auckland-born and bred, Jacomb made his provincial debut for Taranaki in 2021 and his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Chiefs in 2024.
Playing at his regular first five-eighths position, and with an unerring ability to open defences up, he had a stellar provincial season for Taranaki in 2025. He was the NPC’s second-highest points scorer that year. That included a hat-trick of tries and a Taranaki individual record 30 points against Auckland, and he deservedly won the Duane Monkley Medal as NPC Player of the Year.
Jacomb’s talent was recognised with selection in the All Blacks XV in both 2024 and 2025. He has signed with the Highlanders from 2027.
– New Zealand Rugby release
Siale Lauaki
Cameron McMillan
Standing 1.94m, imposing 23-year-old prop Siale Lauaki (born May 30, 2003) can play both sides of the scrum, and is part of the new wave of young players making an impact on the rugby world.
In his final year at St Patrick’s College (Town) in 2021, he made the New Zealand Schools side for the second time and was also named College Sport Wellington Sportsman of the Year.
He made his provincial debut for Wellington the following year, toured South Africa and played every match with the New Zealand Under-20s in 2023.
He made his Super Rugby Pacific debut for the Hurricanes in 2024 and, alongside some of his fellow All Blacks, was part of the formidable Hurricanes front row which helped secure the 2026 Super Rugby title.
He toured Europe with the All Blacks XV in 2025.
– New Zealand Rugby release
Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa
Cameron McMillan
Blessed with devastating power and pace, 22-year-old loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa (born November 25, 2003) has delighted rugby fans since the age of 16 when he went viral with a sensational try for the Otago Boys’ High School First XV.
The uncompromising ball runner toured South Africa with the New Zealand Under-19 side in 2022, was picked up by Southland in 2023 and graduated to Super Rugby Pacific with Moana Pasifika in 2025, coming under the wings of Ardie Savea and coach Tana Umaga.
In an electrifying debut season, the No 8 made a total of 13 appearances, scored seven tries, played 943 minutes – the most of any player in the squad – topped Super Rugby Pacific’s leaderboard for carries (205) and was named Moana’s Rookie of the Year and Best Defensive Player.
Signed to New Zealand Rugby, he has carried his incredible form into 2026.
– New Zealand Rugby release
Rest time for Ardie Savea
Cameron McMillan
Dave Rennie also noted the games against franchise teams would be an opportunity for other players to step in as captain, with Ardie Savea only joining the team in South Africa ahead of the first test against the Springboks on August 23.
That will see the incumbent captain miss three of the four games against the franchise teams, with the All Blacks playing the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls before the first test.
It comes with Savea having effectively played a straight run of top competitive rugby for the past 18 months, having gone straight from the 2025 test campaign into the Japanese season.
“Ardie has carried a massive workload in the last couple of years and we think it is best for him to have an extended break so he can come back ready to lead us into the test series. We have a number of excellent leaders in our squad who will embrace the chance to captain the side,” Rennie said.
Surprise, surprise
Cameron McMillan
The squad is out
Cameron McMillan
And there are three new names. Siale Lauaki, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and Josh Jacomb are in. No room for Du'Plessis Kirifi. But in comes Ethan Blackadder.
Blackadder hasn't played test rugby since 2024, which are against South Africa.
All Blacks squad to tour South Africa
Cameron McMillan
Loosehead props: Ethan de Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris.
Tighthead props: Fletcher Newell, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki.
Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, George Bell.
Locks: Tupou Vaa'i, Josh Lord, Fabian Holland, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipulotu.
Loose forwards: Ardie Savea (c), Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Ethan Blackadder, Anton Segner, Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa.
Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston.
First five-eighths: Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb.
Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Billy Proctor, Quinn Tupaea, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai.
Outside backs: Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa.
Unavailable due to injury: Scott Barrett (back), Tamaiti Williams (back), Leicester Fainga'anuku (leg)
Squad not far away now
Cameron McMillan
Will we see any bolters?
Cameron McMillan
44 is a big number. Is there room for Dave Rennie and co to throw in a few new names? Maybe a tour is the time to do it compared to a Nations Championship run of games at the back end of the year where every game is a must-win to make the final.
15 minutes away from squad naming
Cameron McMillan
Not far away from the magic email dropping from New Zealand Rugby headquarters.
Liam Napier on each position battle
Cameron McMillan
Outside backs
With Caleb Tangitau (definitely) and Leicester Fainga’anuku (likely) ruled out due to injury, the options are somewhat limited.
Emoni Narawa fits the brief, particularly for the aerial assault that awaits, but he has played little rugby of late after fracturing a bone in his foot earlier this year.
Chiefs fullback Isaac Hutchinson is another compelling option but he, too, missed the Super final through injury and his return is unknown at this stage.
Crusaders outside back Chay Fihaki is another option but there may be concerns around his defence.
Liam Napier on each position battle
Cameron McMillan
Midfield
Rieko Ioane’s recall will further bolster depth in an area that has most elements covered. Like Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett, Ioane’s versatility as a centre/wing option is favourable on a tour such as this.
Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai offers a point of difference with his power and jackling strengths but his lack of pace could count against him.
The core nine
Cameron McMillan
Interesting to note in his first three tests Dave Rennie has picked the same nine players to start in Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Jordie Barrett, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie. So far he's started three different players in the six jersey in Peter Lakai, Wallace Sititi and Tupou Vaa'i and three in the 11 in Caleb Clarke, Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby.
Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Vaa'i and Patrick Tuipulotu have all started in the locks - with last year's starters Fabian Holland and Scott Barrett injured. We could see Holland return for this tour but Rennie confirmed last week that Barrett won't be fit.
Liam Napier on each position battle
Cameron McMillan
Loose forwards
As always, this is where it gets interesting.
Despite losing Devan Flanders, Dalton Papali’i and Hoskins Sotutu abroad, New Zealand’s loose forward stocks remain stacked with established and fast-emerging talent.
The number of loosies added to the July squad will depend on whether Rennie and his selectors opt for a 6/4 or 7/3 split.
Du’Plessis Kirifi is the obvious candidate to be recalled after missing out to Anton Segner but if the squeeze comes on, it may not be that simple.
With Luke Jacobson, Segner and Ardie Savea options at openside, Kirifi’s lack of versatility as a specialist No 7 could potentially hurt his case.
Highlanders rookie of the year Lucas Casey has strong claims after his breakout season. The dynamic 23-year-old is well in the frame after attending the All Blacks’ non-Super finalists camp – and he will only improve as he adds bulk and matures.
Crusaders No 8 Christian Lio-Willie and Moana Pasifika counterpart Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa are other contrasting options – the first a workhorse, the second a destructive ball carrier – if Rennie is seeking cover at the back of the scrum.
Personally, I believe selecting Casey carries the most upside. It’s a matter of when, not if, he features for the All Blacks. Exposing him to South African opposition could prove invaluable for his long-term development. And by next year’s World Cup, he could be a weapon off the bench.
Should injuries hit the loose forwards on tour, Rennie could potentially request an exemption to recall Shannon Frizell once he returns for Tasman.
Liam Napier on each position battle
Cameron McMillan
Locks
Fabian Holland will return from the shoulder surgery that ruled him out of the entire Super season. After minimal rugby he will, however, require gradual reintegration to the test scene, which could necessitate the All Blacks carrying a sixth lock, particularly with Tupou Vaa’i expected to spend further time at blindside flanker after his successful switch there against Ireland.
With Scott Barrett sidelined, likely for the remainder of the year, Jamie Hannah is the next cab off the rank to continue his development, after debuting off the bench in the test opener against France.
Christchurch-raised Chiefs lock Fiti Sa’s 2.03m frame is on the national radar after training with the All Blacks in week one but the 23-year-old’s time is likely to come down the line.
The Richie Mo'unga question
Cameron McMillan
Mo'unga won't be named in the squad today as he is not eligible to play for the All Blacks until he plays domestic rugby for Canterbury. He could make his return this weekend in the NPC opener against Auckland. He then could be called in as injury cover.
Liam Napier on each position battle
Cameron McMillan
Props
With Tamaiti Williams out of action, Chiefs loosehead Ollie Norris could be included to back up Ethan de Groot, Xavier Numia and George Bower, should the All Blacks require eight props for the tour.
Mark Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki down as something of a bolter. The 23-year-old won’t be on everyone’s radar after largely featuring off the bench for the Hurricanes this season. But at 1.94m and 125kg, Lauaki is a hulking force.
Lauaki is a tighthead prop by trade but with All Blacks Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi and Tevita Mafileo, the latter on the move to the Chiefs next season, filling those duties for the Super Rugby Pacific champions, Lauaki switched to the loosehead side of the scrum. That versatility, and his powerful ball-carrying, is expected to push Lauaki past Mafileo and former All Blacks veteran Ofa Tuʻungafasi into the South African touring squad.
Gradually grooming a young prospect against the world’s best scrummagers has obvious upside.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule
Cameron McMillan
Saturday August 8, 5am: All Blacks v Stormers, DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Wednesday August 12, 5am: All Blacks v Sharks, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
Sunday August 16, 5am: All Blacks v Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Sunday August 23, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (first test)
Wednesday August 26, 5am: All Blacks v Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Sunday August 30, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, DHL Stadium, Cape Town (second test)
Sunday September 6, 3am: All Blacks v Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (third test)
Sunday September 13, 9am: All Blacks v Springboks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore (fourth test)
Squad naming – a big one
Cameron McMillan
There will be 10 added names from the 34-man squad that played in the Nations Championship. I don't think anyone played their way out of the squad from those three wins and there were no serious injuries.
Hello and welcome
Christopher Reive
Today Dave Rennie will name the 44-man All Blacks squad to tour South Africa for the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour.
Will we see any surprises? At midday, we'll find out.
Christopher Reive