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Live sport on SN this weekendSam Darry raring to make first appearance in Springbok series
Robbie Cuthbertson • September 4th, 2026 2:40 pm
Sam Darry | Photo: Photosport
After watching the series from the sidelines, Sam Darry finally gets his chance to make an impact, while George Bower’s remarkable comeback reaches another milestone in Johannesburg.
Darry’s inclusion is part of a wider forward pack shake-up, with the lock preferred by Rennie, saying that his “massive engine” will be important for the high-altitude contest.
The lock looks forward to making his mark against the Springboks in the final test of the series in South Africa.
“It’s hugely exciting,” Darry said when asked about the prospect of starting the third Test in Johannesburg. “As a player it’s right where you want to be.
“I’ve had to watch the first few games from the stands, and it’s been awesome to watch them go to work, but obviously as a player, you’re competitive, and you want to be out there.”
Darry has spent much of the tour on the outside looking in, saying that the opportunity came as a surprise, but that staying ready for his opportunity had remained front of mind throughout the series.
“I found out on Monday,” Darry said on his selection. “I didn’t really have any heads up, so it was a wee bit of a surprise at first. But as I said, throughout the last few weeks making sure that I was staying ready, so that if this opportunity was to come, I was ready for it.”
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George Bower started his first Test match in over three years for the All Blacks in Cape Town and retains the number one jersey in Johannesburg.
Bower shared the sentiment of staying ready with Darry, as he’s been on “standby” for the All Blacks since needing surgery on his knee in 2023.
When asked about playing in the series, Bower said, “Yeah, it's pretty cool. I haven't played the Springboks since 2022, so to play in this series, I kind of took a step back to really reflect on it, and I was quite grateful to be selected in the squad in general.
“To be back in a black jersey for rugby’s greatest rivalry, I didn’t really think I'd be here in the past year, so I'm definitely honoured and grateful.”
The front rower wasn’t sure if he’d get back into the All Blacks squad after his knee surgery. Now at 34, he says he’s still got more in the tank.
“I’ve been telling myself I'm getting a bit older, 34, and that age is getting to me”. Bower said. “But it’s not at all.
“People reach their prime strength at 38, and that’s what a wise man told me... and so it’s kind of changed the language on becoming more experienced and really channeling that to use around my game.
“I guess you can say I’m ageing like fine wine,” Bower said jokingly.
Darry and Bower will both start in the forward pack in the All Blacks' third test against South Africa in Johannesburg, kicking off on Sunday, 3am (NZ time)
