Dave Rennie Names 44-Man All Blacks Squad With Three Debutants for South Africa

The All Blacks are preparing for one of the toughest schedules in international rugby under head coach Dave Rennie, taking an expansive 44-man touring party to the Republic. The group features 25 forwards and 19 backs, retaining all 34 players from the Nations Championship squad that secured victories over France, Italy, and Ireland earlier in July 2026. Rennie emphasized that the entire roster will be tested across eight matches in six weeks, which includes four fixtures against the world number one Springboks and four matches against local United Rugby Championship franchises.

Uncapped Trio Earns Selection as Rennie Rewards Domestic Form

The touring squad introduces three fresh faces to the international setup. Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki joins the group as the sole uncapped front-rower, while Chiefs first-five Josh Jacomb earns a call-up alongside fellow playmaker options. Completing the trio of newcomers is Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, whose standout Super Rugby Pacific campaign caught national selectors’ attention.

Tupou Ta’eiloa’s rise follows a dominant 2025 and 2026 domestic stretch where the 22-year-old number eight topped competition carry leaderboards and earned Moana’s Rookie of the Year and Best Defensive honours before signing a deal with New Zealand Rugby. Reports indicate his explosive gain-line metre-making and defensive work rate made him a prime candidate to bolster the loose forward options following the conclusion of the Super Rugby season.

Ardie Savea Managed Through Opening Tour Fixtures

Captain Ardie Savea will not travel with the squad for the opening phase of the trip, granted an extended rest period after playing nearly a year and a half of continuous rugby that included a stint in Japan. Savea will rejoin the team in South Africa prior to the first Test, sitting out the non-Test exhibition matches against the Stormers, Sharks, and Bulls.

“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.”

Dave Rennie, All Blacks Head Coach

The temporary absence of the regular skipper opens the door for other leaders to step into command roles during the franchise fixtures. Rennie noted that the heavy demands of the tour mean every member of the squad must contribute whether through direct selection or preparation support.

The Greatest Rivalry Tour Itinerary and Springboks Challenge

The touring party faces a demanding calendar across multiple South African venues before concluding the series in the United States. The schedule opens in Cape Town on August 8 against the Stormers, followed by a match against the Sharks in Durban on August 12, and a clash with the Bulls in Pretoria on August 15. The first Test against the Springboks takes place on August 22 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, which will also host a fixture against the Lions on August 25. Subsequent Tests will be staged at DHL Stadium in Cape Town and FNB Stadium in Johannesburg before both teams travel to Baltimore, Maryland, for the fourth and final Test.

Rennie acknowledged the formidable nature of the reigning world champions, pointing to South Africa’s dominant form after a rotated Springboks lineup defeated Scotland following a strong win over Wales.

“It’s a different beast, South Africa, aren’t they? They put a B side out last week that beat an excellent Scotland team.”

Dave Rennie, All Blacks Head Coach

While Rennie intends to field his strongest available side for the opening Test against the Springboks, he expressed confidence that the gruelling seven-week block will accelerate the squad’s development as the group builds toward the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.