RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesNew Zealand will rest Ardie Savea from the tour matches in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with the All Blacks captain set to return for the first of four Tests against South Africa .
Savea, skippering the side in the continued absence of lock Scott Barrett , will play no part in matches against the four South African United Rugby Championship sides in the inaugural edition of the landmark series.
Hooker Codie Taylor has been installed as tour captain as New Zealand coach Dave Rennie seeks to develop his leadership options.
There are three uncapped inclusions in Rennie’s squad in prop Siale Lauaki, loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and fly half Josh Jacomb, while second row Fabian Holland is a welcome returnee after a long injury lay-off.
The All Blacks open their tour against the Stormers in Cape Town on 7 August, with the first Test against the Springboks taking place on 22 August at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
“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 having named an expanded 44-man group. “Every player will be required to play their part across this tour, whether it’s preparing to play or helping their mates prepare.
“It will be an intense seven weeks of touring but an excellent opportunity for us to pit ourselves against the current benchmark team in world rugby, and to build connections with each other in a way that only a tour of this scale can do. What we learn about ourselves on and off-field will set us up well for the Rugby World Cup in 2027.
“The franchise games will provide an opportunity for other leaders in the group to step in as Captain, before Ardie Savea arrives in South Africa ahead of the first Test match.
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named a 44-man squad (Getty)
“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. We have a number of excellent leaders in our squad who will embrace the chance to captain the side.”
Two more Tests on South African soil will be followed by a clash in Baltimore to close the series. The two southern hemisphere heavyweights have reached a reciprocal touring agreement that will see them clash every four years.
Alongside Barrett, prop Tamaiti Williams and the versatile Leicester Fainga’anuku, who has featured in both the backline and back row this year, are ruled out. Rieko Ioane returns to the squad having been left out for the Nations Championship.
All Blacks squad for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Forwards (25)
Hookers
Codie Taylor, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell
Props
Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki
Locks
Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry. Fabian Holland
Back rows
Ardie Savea, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner, Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa
Backs (19)
Scrum halves
Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston
Fly halves
Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett , Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb
Centres
Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai
Outside Backs
Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa
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