Mon, Jul 27, 2026, 12:00 AMby Nathan Williamson
Moana Pasifika powerhouse Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa is one of several new faces in the All Blacks squad ahead of next month’s tour of africatv9491.live-website.com/south-africa-sugar-industry-under-pressure-as-imports-nearly-double/” title=”South Africa Sugar Industry Under Pressure as Imports Nearly Double”>South Africa, dubbed ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.’
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named the back-rower amongst a trio of potential debutants in the 44-player squad, expanded from their Nations Championship campaign.
Watch every second of the Greatest Rivalry Tour live and on demand
22-year-old Tupou Ta’eiloa is coming off a monster year for the side, scoring four tries in 2026.
He is joined by flyhalf Josh Jacomb and prop Siale Lauaki as the other uncapped players.
“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,” coach Rennie said.
“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.
Highlanders duo Fabian Holland and Timoci Tavatavanawai are among the returning All Blacks named in the squad.
Holland is set for his first appearance of the year after missing the Super Rugby Pacific season with a shoulder issue.
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Ollie Norris, George Bell, Ethan Blackadder, Rieko Ioane and Emoni Narawa are the other capped players named, with Ioane linking up with the All Blacks prior to the Ireland Test.
Hurricanes co-captain Du’Plessis Kirifi remains a notable exclusion, whilst returning flyhalf Richie Mo’unga will likely have to wait for an injury to get a call-up, set to return to New Zealand Rugby
“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.”
“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. 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.”
ALL BLACKS SQUAD FOR GREATEST RIVALRY TOUR OF SOUTH AFRICA
Forwards
Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taueki’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
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
