Three uncapped players named in 44-man All Blacks squad for South Africa tour

Monday, 27 July 2026

The All Blacks have recalled Ethan Blackadder and named three uncapped players in their 44-man squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks.

Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki, Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Chiefs first five-eighth Josh Jacomb – who is joining the Highlanders next year – are the new faces in the squad.

Lock Fabian Holland returns after missing Super Rugby Pacific through injury, while Blackadder, prop Ollie Norris, hooker George Bell, second five-eighth Timoci Tavatavanawai and winger Emoni Narawa have also been recalled by Dave Rennie.

Captain Ardie Savea will join the squad ahead of the first test at Ellis Park on August 23 after New Zealand Rugby said he had been managing a heavy workload. Savea missed Super Rugby to spend a season with Kobe Steelers in Japan, where he helped Rennie deliver the League One title.

“The franchise games will provide an opportunity for other leaders in the group to step in as captain, before Ardie Savea arrives in South Africa ahead of the first test match,” Rennie said.

“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.”

Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett and Leicester Fainga’anuku remain unavailable due to injury, while Hurricanes co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi has again missed selection. Rieko Ioane, who joined the All Blacks as injury cover during the Nations Championship after initially being overlooked, has retained his place.

Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima and Kyle Preston are the three halfbacks selected, with Noah Hotham missing out.

The All Blacks will face United Rugby Championship sides the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions before a four-test series against the Springboks – three in South Africa and one in the United States.

Lauaki, 23, earns his maiden All Blacks call-up after a breakout Super Rugby season with champions the Hurricanes and is the fourth prop from the franchise selected.

Tupou Ta’eiloa, 22, is the youngest member of the squad and already has two seasons of Super Rugby experience with Moana Pasifika. The New Zealand-born loose forward is currently without a Super Rugby side following Moana’s demise but remains contracted to New Zealand Rugby.

Jacomb, 25, has emerged as a promising talent with Taranaki and the Chiefs and joins Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie and veteran Beauden Barrett as the four playmakers selected. Richie Mo’unga was deemed ineligible by New Zealand Rugby until he has played in the NPC following his return from Japan.

“This tour will challenge us and demand the very best of us,” added Rennie. “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.

“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.”

All Blacks - Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry squad

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell

Props: Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki

Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Fabian Holland

Loose Forwards: Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner, Ardie Savea (captain), 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, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai

Outside Backs: Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa.