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Live sport on SN this weekendAll Blacks coach Rennie explains shock Taylor omission
Robbie Cuthbertson • September 4th, 2026 12:43 pm
Codie Taylor | Photo: Photosport
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has raised a few eyebrows with his selections ahead of the third Test against South Africa with a few notable omissions.
All four changes to Rennie’s squad are to the forward pack, with Sam Darry's inclusion at lock dropping Fabian Holland to the bench and, most notably, vice-captain Codie Taylor missing from the squad altogether in favour of Asafo Aumua.
On the back of a torrid two Tests, Rennie cited the need for a refresh in the forward pack.
“With the big men it's about probably getting some fresh legs out there," Rennie said.
"We think Asafo has (made) an excellent impact. It’s as much about sharing the load, as Asafo will get a lot more footy this week.
“Codie’s been great for us."
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Tupou Vaa’i shifts to lock to pack down alongside Darry in at five, who will make his first Test appearance of the tour.
Rennie said that there isn’t much between the locks in the squad, favouring Darry's work-rate in Johannesburg.
“Sam Darry hasn’t played in the Test series but (he's got a) massive engine (which) helps how we want to play, it’ll be handy at altitude.”
Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot were not considered by the All Blacks coach due to concussions suffered in the series.
Lord, having completed concussion protocol, is being left out as a precaution due to his history of concussion and a small issue with his knee.
Peter Lakai has been preferred by Rennie at No. 6 with Simon Parker being replaced and left out of the squad entirely.
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The All Blacks coach shone the spotlight on Lakai and Wallace Sititi, who will wear the No. 20 for the third Test.
“We think Pete's been excellent for us, great impact,” Rennie said about the loose forward.
“Pete's not a big loose forward compared to maybe some of the other men on the field, especially in the opposition, but he's really physical. His hits and tackles are clean, and then he's a hell of an athlete.
“We’re excited about what (Lakai) could bring, and we’ve got a similar type of impact player on the bench in Wallace.”
No alterations in the backline for the All Blacks with Rennie preaching the importance of continuity for that group.
“With the backs it's a lot about continuity,” Rennie said.
“We've got a group of guys who have played quite a lot of footy together recently. You can see when we're accurate and get that right, we're finding a lot of space and, so keen to keep them together.”
The third Test between the All Blacks and South Africa kicks off Sunday, 3am (NZ time).
