All Blacks Squad Revealed
All Blacks Name 44-Man Squad for Toughest South Africa Tour, Including Three Uncapped Players
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Key Points
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The uncapped trio comprises Siale Lauaki (23-year-old Hurricanes prop with versatility across both sides of the scrum), Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa (22-year-old loose forward known for bruising ball-carrying and a physical defensive edge for midweek fixtures) and Josh Jacomb (25-year-old Chiefs fly-half providing vital playmaking depth alongside Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett).
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Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks but is set to join the squad only ahead of the first Test, with Rennie planning to rotate leadership during the eight-match, six-week tour so other senior players can captain in the early stages.
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Injuries have ruled out several players for the tour, including Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett and Leicester Fainga’anuku, impacting depth in the squad.
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Du’Plessis Kirifi is omitted from the extended squad, illustrating changes to the loose forward pool and the impact of injury or form on selection.
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The tour schedule includes a Test in the United States (Baltimore) in addition to South Africa fixtures, underscoring the global reach of this campaign.
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named a 44-man squad for the Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa, adding three uncapped players to face the world's top-ranked Springboks. The six-week, eight-match tour includes a four-Test series against South Africa and a standalone Test in Baltimore, making it one of the most demanding schedules in rugby history. TSN reported Rennie called it "potentially the toughest tour in rugby."
South Africa sit No. 1 in world rugby rankings. New Zealand are No. 2. The stakes could not be higher.
Three Uncapped Players Earn First Call-Ups
Rennie handed first-ever call-ups to three players. Siale Lauaki is a 23-year-old Hurricanes prop who can play on both sides of the scrum. Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa is a 22-year-old loose forward picked for his bruising ball-carrying and hard defence in midweek fixtures. Josh Jacomb, 25, is a Chiefs fly-half brought in to add playmaking depth, according to TSN.
Jacomb joins Ruben Love, Damian McKenzie and Beauden Barrett as fly-half options on the tour. The depth at that position reflects how long and demanding the schedule will be. Rennie also recalled experienced players including Rieko Ioane, Ethan Blackadder and Emoni Narawa to the group.
Savea to Join Late as Leadership Rotates Early
Captain Ardie Savea will not travel with the squad from the start. He will join only ahead of the first Test match. Talking Rugby Union reported Savea is being rested for the early tour games before returning for the Test series against the Springboks.
Rennie plans to share the captaincy during the first few matches. Senior players will lead the side in those early fixtures. Rugby Addict noted Rennie is balancing experienced leaders with developing players across a demanding eight-game run.
Injuries Force Key Absences From the 44-Man Group
Several high-profile players will miss the entire tour due to injury. Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett and Leicester Fainga'anuku have all been ruled out. Their absences hit depth in the front row, locks and back three — three positions that will be tested hard across eight tough matches.
Du'Plessis Kirifi was also left out of the extended 44-man squad. His omission signals a shift in the loose forward group. Rennie must now rely on the uncapped Tupou Ta'eiloa and other options to cover the workload across a tour that spans six full weeks.
A Global Tour Anchored by Rugby's Fiercest Rivalry
The tour runs for six weeks and includes eight matches in total. New Zealand will face the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions as warm-up fixtures before the four-Test series. The squad then travels to Baltimore in the United States for a final standalone Test, giving the tour a truly global footprint.
The four-Test series sits at the heart of the campaign. South Africa are the reigning Rugby World Cup champions and the world's top-ranked team. Rennie said he wants a squad that mixes strong leadership with players ready to grow. The Greatest Rivalry label is fitting — few series in world sport carry this much weight.
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