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All Blacks name side for Sharks clash in South Africa
Sport Nation • August 9th, 2026 10:00 pm
Luke Jacobson | Photo: Photosport
Luke Jacobson will captain the All Blacks for the first time after being named to lead a largely new-look side against the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday morning (NZ time).
After their 38-21 win over the Stormers in Saturday's opener, head coach Dave Rennie has made a host of changes for the second match of the tour, with Chiefs hooker Bradley Slater and loose forward Semisi Ta'eiloa set to make their All Blacks debuts from the bench.
Slater only joined the squad five days ago as injury cover for George Bell, but has quickly earned an opportunity to pull on the black jersey for the first time.
"Luke is the obvious choice to captain the team against the Sharks. He is highly respected, has a great feel for the game and will lead through his actions," Rennie said in a statement.
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"Two more players will pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time against the Sharks. On behalf of the whole squad, I want to congratulate Semisi and Bradley on achieving this very special milestone."
Seven players who featured in the win over the Stormers have retained their places in the 23, including Asafo Aumua, Sam Darry, Kyle Preston and Caleb Clarke, who have all been promoted into the starting side.
Rennie said the opening match had provided a valuable insight into South African rugby ahead of another physical challenge.
"The opening match gave the players a real introduction to the way that South African teams play and the Sharks will be no different.
The match will be the seventh between the two sides, in which the All Blacks have won all of them. Their last meeting being in 1992.
All Blacks team to play Sharks
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Asafo Aumua, 3. Fletcher Newell, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Sam Darry, 6. Tupou Vaa'i, 7. Wallace Sititi, 8. Luke Jacobson (c), 9. Kyle Preston, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Fehi Fineanganofo, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Reserves: 16. Bradley Slater, 17. Ollie Norris, 18. Pasilio Tosi, 19. Ethan Blackadder, 20. Semisi Ta'eiloa, 21. Cam Roigard, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Emoni Narawa.
