All Blacks unveil historic Great Rivalry squad as injuries loom

New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has named the first All Blacks squad for the upcoming Great Rivalry series against South Africa. The 15‑man lineup features veteran lock Patrick Tuipulotu as tour captain for the opening match against the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium, while veteran fly‑half Beauden Barrett returns after missing the Nations Championship. The squad also includes several debutants such as prop Lauakie, centre Jacomb and others, and records‑holder Beauden Barrett will add to his 144 caps.

Injury concerns dominate the build‑up. Hooker Codie Taylor, the appointed tour skipper, remains sidelined with a calf injury, and fellow forward George Bell is out after a training‑related calf strain, prompting Bradley Slater’s call‑up. Rennie indicated Taylor may see limited minutes against the Vodacom Bulls before the first test on 22 August, but will not be rushed into the match against the Sharks. The series comprises four franchise fixtures followed by four test matches, set to repeat every four years.

The announcement marks a historic first formation for the Great Rivalry, a marquee contest between the two most successful Southern‑hemisphere rugby nations.