According to All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, announced ahead of the Ireland Test in Auckland, ten additional players will join a 34-man group to form a 44-man touring squad for the upcoming Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa, with selection depending on fitness and a potential 6-4 or 7-3 forward-to-back split.
Dave Rennie Weighs Squad Split and Injury Cover for South Africa Tour
The upcoming tour to South Africa includes four games against South African domestic sides and four Tests, concluding with a match in Baltimore. According to Rennie, the team got through the three Nations Championship July fixtures without major injury, with Codie Taylor’s calf strain serving as the sole concern. Taylor will likely miss the first two domestic fixtures on the tour, which could prompt the coaching staff to extend the travelling group to 45 with a hooker injury replacement, as reported by Rennie.
Rennie noted that the ten additional players were largely picked prior to this week. Among them, World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year Fabian Holland is a likely inclusion if passed fit following a hitout for Otago in NPC pre-season on Friday against Mid Canterbury. Other unconfirmed options weighed by the coaching staff include a 6-4 split of forwards to backs, or a 7-3 configuration, according to Rennie’s statements in Auckland.
Pro Tip: Squad selection heavily weighs versatility, particularly for props and loose forwards who can cover multiple positions across an eight-match tour in the republic.
Eight Bolters in Contention for the Final Ten Touring Spots
With ten spots up for grabs, several standout players from Super Rugby Pacific and domestic competitions are under consideration by the All Blacks coaching staff. Isaac Hutchinson, a versatile outside-back from the Chiefs, impressed during the Super Rugby Pacific season with an uncanny ability to break tackles and hit the line at pace. Despite missing the 2026 final due to a leg injury, his run-first mentality offers valuable fullback and wing cover.
Lucas Casey of the Highlanders is another strong contender. According to team reports, Casey participated in the All Blacks’ non-finalist camp in Auckland during the week of the Super Rugby Pacific final. Highlander head coach Jamie Joseph praised Casey’s work rate and desire to learn following a standout NPC season with Otago where he scored a double against Canterbury in a Ranfurly Shield victory. Casey offers coverage at both No. 7 and No. 8.
At halfback, Highlanders player Adam Lennox has emerged as an option for the fourth halfback role. Rennie left Noah Hotham out of the Nations Championship campaign, favoring Kyle Preston instead, but Lennox brings an elite running game and electrifying pace that saw him beat Beauden Barrett during the Super Rugby Pacific season. Lennox also brings utility value, having filled in on the left wing multiple times in 2026 and starting for the Maori All Blacks against the Japan XV last month, according to tour data.
Front Row and Forward Depth Under Scrutiny
In the front row, Highlanders hooker Jack Taylor presents an aggressive, high-energy skillset characterized by dominance on both sides of the ball and an astonishing kicking game. Meanwhile, Blues loose-forward Malachi Wrampling offers combative power at 192cm and 112kg, though his discipline remains a factor following a Super Rugby Pacific suspension for a high shot.
Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki and Chiefs prop Benet Kumeroa both provide the ability to pack down on both sides of the scrum, a vital asset for an eight-match tour. Lauaki, an All Blacks XV prop, has developed under Jamie Mackintosh, while Kumeroa has gained experience as a Maori All Black and All Black XV member. Tasman hooker Eli Oudenryn represents a bolter option after making three appearances for the Blues in 2026, including a try featuring a kick-and-chase reminiscent of Dane Coles.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the All Blacks touring squad be named?
According to head coach Dave Rennie, the 44-man squad will be named on Monday, July 27.
What matches are included in the Greatest Rivalry Tour?
The tour includes four games against South African domestic sides and four Tests, with the final match played in Baltimore.
Who is a leading contender for the Breakthrough Player inclusion?
World Rugby Men’s 15s Breakthrough Player of the Year Fabian Holland is expected to be selected if he proves his fitness following an NPC pre-season hitout for Otago against Mid Canterbury.
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