Dave Rennie is set to name Southland bolter for the tour of South Africa, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
The full squad is set to be named on Monday with 44 players for the ‘Greatest Rivalry’ Tour, which will culminate in four tests against the Springboks.
The news is reported by The Post, who state the South Auckland native, but Otago Boys High Old Boy could be in line for selection.
The number eight has signed a contract with NZ Rugby until 2028 and will play for Southland during the NPC if not selected.
Number 8 for the Rugby Nations Championship
The number 8 selection for Dave Rennie at number 8 during the Rugby Nations Championship saw captain Ardie Savea, start all three tests.
This competition with the captain could see Ta’eiloa given opportunities in the non- test games against the South African URC teams.
The journey for Ta’eiloa to become an All Black
After making his NPC debut with the Southland Stags in 2023, explosive loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa made a meteoric rise in Super Rugby Pacific with Moana Pasifika in 2025. Initially arriving on a training contract, the 113kg back-rower seized a starting spot and quickly became the competition’s premier wrecking ball—leading Super Rugby Pacific in total ball carries (205) and taking home Moana Pasifika’s Rookie of the Year and Best Defensive Player awards.
The Impact of Umaga & Savea
Ta’eiloa’s development accelerated dramatically under the guidance of head coach Fa’alogo Tana Umaga and captain Ardie Savea:
- Tana Umaga’s Mentorship: Umaga harnessed Ta’eiloa’s raw power and high work rate, sharpening his tactical discipline and professional standards on both sides of the ball.
- Learning alongside Ardie Savea: Sharing the back row with an All Black centurion provided a masterclass in elite work ethic, line-battering carries, and turnover threats at the breakdown.
Building an All Blacks Case
Standing at 1.85m with a low center of gravity, Ta’eiloa brings a rare combination of raw power, dominant tackle capability, and unrelenting carry volume off the back of the scrum. Having proven his big-game pedigree—including leading Southland to a historic Ranfurly Shield victory over Waikato—his high-output style under Umaga and Savea makes him a primed candidate for potential All Blacks selection as a high-impact loose forward.
