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Codie Taylor to captain All Blacks for first time against Bulls
Sport Nation • August 13th, 2026 10:00 pm
Codie Taylor | Photo: Photosport
Codie Taylor will captain the All Blacks for the first time when they face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Sunday (NZ time).
Taylor returns from injury to start at hooker in the All Blacks’ final outing before the opening Test against the Springboks, with the 109-Test veteran set to lead the side in his 110th appearance for New Zealand.
Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax will also make their first appearances of the South African tour, while Beauden Barrett shifts to fullback and Josh Jacomb is named at first five-eighth for his first start in the black jersey.
Six players who featured in Wednesday's 54-0 win over the Sharks back up against the Bulls, with Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa all retaining their places.
Rennie said the Bulls would provide a stern challenge at one of South Africa’s most intimidating venues.
“The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years," Rennie said in a statement.
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"Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead."
The match will also be the All Blacks’ final opportunity to impress before the first Test of the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' tour, with competition for places in the side heating up.
“There is healthy competition for Test spots so this is another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection."
Rennie said Taylor's captaincy was just reward for his services to the All Blacks jersey.
"He is a top man and has done a great job leading this tour group," he said.
"This is a proud moment for an All Blacks centurion who has made a massive contribution to this team as a player and a leader."
The match kicks off Sunday 5am (NZ time).
All Blacks team to play Bulls
1. Xavier Numia, 2. Codie Taylor (captain), 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Fabian Holland, 5. Patrick Tuipulotu, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Anton Segner, 8. Peter Lakai, 9. Cortez Ratima, 10. Josh Jacomb, 11. Josh Moorby, 12. Anton Lienert-Brown, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Leroy Carter, 15. Beauden Barrett.
Bench: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. George Bower, 18. Siale Lauaki, 19. Josh Lord, 20. Wallace Sititi, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23. Emoni Narawa.
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