[REVISION HISTORY]

All Blacks Greatest Rivalry tour 2026

Updated 6 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-08-01 05:36 UTC → 2026-08-01 20:36 UTC · added ~~removed~~

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie confirmed a 44‑player squad for the inaugural “Greatest Rivalry” tour, retaining the 34 players from the recent Nations Championship and adding ten newcomers, including three uncapped prospects and veteran wing/full‑back Emoni Narawa. The squad also features the recalled flanker Ethan Blackadder, with Rennie stressing that every member must contribute across the intense seven‑week programme to build depth ahead of the 2027 Rugby World Cup. ~~On 30 July the~~ The side arrived in Cape ~~Town,~~ Town on 30 July, launching the first full‑scale New Zealand visit to South Africa in three decades. The itinerary comprises provincial matches against the Stormers, Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions, followed by a four‑test series versus the Springboks – the opening test at Ellis Park on 22 August and the concluding test in Baltimore on 12 September. SA Rugby projects more than 250,000 spectators across the series and a women’s fixture between the Springbok Women and the Black Ferns. Rennie highlighted the tour’s value for playing time and learning, noting the chance to review and improve after each encounter. Lock Sam Darry warned the All Blacks must be at their best after a recent 31‑27 loss at Ellis Park. Codie Taylor is acting as tour captain until test captain Ardie Savea joins the squad. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus ~~used~~ named a 26‑man squad for a one‑off test against Argentina in Buenos Aires ~~as preparation for the upcoming series. On 31 July the Springboks announced a 26‑man squad for that Argentina test, featuring captain Siya Kolisi,~~ on 8 August, mixing returning players with those easing back from injury. The list includes fly‑half Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, captain Siya Kolisi, locks Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth, and scrum‑half Morne van den ~~Berg~~ Berg; a possible match‑day 23 could see veterans Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach and ~~other seasoned players, underscoring~~ Thomas du Toit omitted. Erasmus said the ~~depth of options ahead of~~ Argentine test is a “massive challenge” and a warm‑up for the New Zealand series. The opening provincial game at Cape Town’s DHL Stadium drew over 5,000 local fans, many in black, with SA Rugby President Mark Alexander praising the mutual respect between the nations.

Versions

Only revisions since CLSTR began indexing content versions appear here. Select a version to see what changed compared to the one before it.