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Rennie names extended squad for All Blacks' tour to South Africa
Sport Nation • July 27th, 2026 12:00 pm
Dave Rennie | Photo: Photosport
Dave Rennie has loaded up for what he believes could be “the toughest tour in rugby”.
A 44-man All Blacks squad has been named for 'Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour', with New Zealand set to face South African franchises and the Springboks across a gruelling seven-week campaign in South Africa and the United States.
Rennie and fellow selectors Sir Graham Henry and Neil Barnes have retained all 34 players from the initial Nations Championship Southern Series squad, while adding 10 more for the tour.
Prop Siale Lauaki, loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and first-five Josh Jacomb are the three uncapped players selected.
Returning All Blacks Ollie Norris, George Bell, Fabian Holland, Ethan Blackadder, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane and Emoni Narawa have also been added.
One notable omission is Hurricanes loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi, who many fans expected to force his way in after missing Rennie’s initial Nations Championship squad.
Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett and Leicester Fainga’anuku were unavailable due to injury.
Rennie said the size of the squad reflects the scale of the assignment.
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“This tour will challenge us and demand the very best of us,” Rennie said.
“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.”
The All Blacks will play eight matches in six weeks, including four tests against South Africa. They will also face the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions, before the final test against the Springboks in Baltimore.
“With eight matches in six weeks, including a four-Test series against the Springboks, this would have to be the toughest tour in rugby,” Rennie said.
“Every player will be required to play their part across this tour, whether it’s preparing to play or helping their mates prepare.”
Ardie Savea will captain the squad, but will not arrive until before the first test, with the All Blacks managing his workload after a demanding run.
“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,” Rennie said.
“We have a number of excellent leaders in our squad who will embrace the chance to captain the side.”
New Zealand Rugby CEO Steve Lancaster said the tour marks a major moment in rugby’s most storied rivalry.
“This is the next chapter in one of our sport’s defining rivalries,” Lancaster said.
“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.”
All Blacks squad for South Africa
Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell, Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Fabian Holland, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa.
Backs: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa.
