All Blacks squad: Dave Rennie names three uncapped players for Greatest Rivalry series as key men make timely returns

Louis Chapman Coombe 27 Jul 2026 1:01 AM

A two layered image of Dave Rennie and Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa — All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie (left) has named his squad for the Greatest Rivalry tour, with Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa (right) included

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named a strong 44-man squad for the upcoming Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa, with three uncapped players included.

Following reports earlier this week, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa features in the extended touring party, while fellow rookies Siale Lauaki and Josh Jacomb could also win their first Test caps across the tour.

The All Blacks kick off their campaign in South Africa on Saturday, August 8 against the Stormers, before facing fellow URC sides Sharks, Bulls and Lions and taking part in a four-Test series against the Springboks.

Dave Rennie names three uncapped players in extended 44-man Greatest Rivalry tour squad

On top of the uncapped trio, the All Blacks are also boosted by the returns of Ollie Norris, George Bell, Fabian Holland, Ethan Blackadder, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa after they missed the Nations Championship campaign, while Rieko Ioane is also included after making a return ahead of their recent Test against Ireland.

Rennie has also kept a number of his key generals following an unbeaten Nations Championship campaign. Ardie Savea will once again serve as captain, while Codie Taylor, Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Patrick Tuipulotu, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Anton Lienert-Brown and Will Jordan all feature in the extended group.

However, Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett and Leicester Fainga’anuku all miss out through injury.

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Commenting on his squad, head coach Rennie said: “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.

“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.

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Rennie also detailed that captain Savea will join up with the squad slightly later as he takes an extended break.

“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.”

Also commenting, New Zealand Rugby CEO, Steve Lancaster, added: “This is the next chapter in one of our sport’s defining rivalries. It is our first full-scale, old-style tour in 30 years – since ‘The Incomparables’ led by Sean Fitzpatrick pulled off the All Blacks’ first series win in South Africa in 1996.

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“Fans from both nations and around the world have embraced the concept with around 3,000 fans expected to travel for the tour – the majority from New Zealand. We already can’t wait to host the next iteration in 2030 when South Africa embark on their first professional-era tour of New Zealand.”