The All Blacks have travelled to New Zealand and will face the Stormers this Friday in preparation for their four tests against the Springboks over the next few months. Dave Rennie will need to look at the depth of his squad and may turn to back-up options for the first time in these games against the URC franchises from South Africa.
Forwards
1- Xavier Numia
Numia had a fantastic season for the Hurricanes as they won the Super Rugby title. He made his All Blacks debut during the Rugby Nations Championship. Preparing all of the props in the squad for playing against South African props.
2- Codie Taylor
Taylor started all three of the Rugby Nations Championship games and could well be rested during some of these games, while other hooker options get an opportunity. However, Rennie named Taylor as captain for this portion of the squad and therefore, I feel that he will get start the tour to lead the rest of this relatively inexperienced group.
3- Fletcher Newell
Newell was on the bench for the final game of the Rugby Nations Championship, where he replaced Tyrell Lomax for the final 30 minutes of the game. Rennie will look to build up the depth behind Lomax.
4- Josh Lord
Lord impressed during the Rugby Nations Championship, and while still continuing to find his feet in a black jersey, it will be important for Rennie to give him opportunities in the warm-up games to the test series to find himself and continue leading the lineout.
5- Fabian Holland
Holland has been out with a long-term injury and missed the entire 2026 Super Rugby season. Rennie hasn’t got to see the best of the lock in game situations yet. Holland will need to build fitness if he is to be useful to Rennie for the test series.
6- Anton Segner
Segner hit headlines after his debut against Italy, due to the journey he made from Germany as a teenager to come to New Zealand with the goal of becoming an All Black. He offers versatility across the back row and could player for Rennie in any shirts 6-8.
7- Luke Jacobson
Jacobson got under some scrutiny for his high tackle on Josh van Der Flier which only resulted in a yellow card. He does offer a level of power and physicality that will be needed to set up the All Blacks for a front foot performance.
8- Peter Lakai
Lakai had a fantastic Super Rugby season with the Hurricanes and is unfortunate to have such close competition in the All Blacks back row; otherwise he would have more caps by now. With Ardie Savea rested for this phase of the tour, he could get a chance at number eight. Lakai started the opening game of the Rugby Nations Championship
Backs
9- Cortez Ratima
Ratima has the unfortunate position of being behind one of the best in the world for their position at the moment in Cam Roigard. He will hopefully get a chance in the starting jersey in this game to show Rennie more of what he has to offer in a game should Roigard pick up an injury.
10- Beauden Barrett
This one is a nice and simple selection for a predicted team as Dave Rennie already told us that Barrett would start this game when he announced the squad.
11- Reiko Ioane
Ioane has returned to New Zealand from his year in Ireland, where he helped Leinster to a URC title. Ioane offers experience and versatility but will have a slight change in style required to fit back into the AB’s way of playing.
12- Anton Lienert-Brown
Lienert-Brown is again stuck behind one of the best in the world in his position in Jordie Barrett. Lienert-Brown was on the bench for the final two games in the Rugby Nations Championship games and was solid in both appearances.
13- Billy Proctor
Proctor was a crucial part of the record-breaking Hurricanes team that won Super Rugby this year. He started against Italy in the Rugby Nations Championship, but wasn’t selected for the final test against Ireland.
14- Fehi Fineanganofo
Fineanganofo is due to move to Newcastle Red Bulls at any time now, but is still waiting on a contract from the NZRU and he broke the try scoring record alongside Josh Moorby for the Hurricanes this season.
15- Josh Moorby
Moorby had a huge season for the Hurricanes and, along with Fehi Fineanganofo, broke the record for the most tries scored in a single Super Rugby season. He came off the bench early against Italy in the Rugby Nations Championship and impressed earning a starting spot against Ireland on the wing. Rennie will be looking to see his versatility in a black shirt and I feel will play him at full-back for this reason.
