Racing
League
Rugby
Football
Cricket
Golf
Sport Nation
Motorsport
Netball
Basketball
Combat Sports
Olympics
Other Sports
Savea returns to captain All Blacks against Springboks
Sport Nation • August 20th, 2026 10:00 pm
Ardie Savea | Photo: Photosport
The wait is finally over - Dave Rennie has named his All Blacks side to face the Springboks in the first of four Tests on Sunday (NZ time).
Ardie Savea returns to captain the side at number eight, while Cam Roigard and Will Jordan will make their first appearances of the tour.
Damian McKenzie also returns from injury to start at fullback, with Ruben Love wearing the No. 10 jersey to combine with Roigard for the highly anticipated matchup at Johannesburg's Ellis Park.
Savea and hooker Codie Taylor bring a wealth of experience to the contest, with both set to make their 110th Test appearances. Savea will play South Africa for the 18th time, while Taylor will face the Springboks for the 17th time.
Josh Moorby will make his first appearance against the Bokke, while Anton Segner will have an opportunity off the bench.
Tana Umaga on the All Blacks' defence | Sport Nation
The All Blacks' forward pack features Ethan de Groot, Taylor and Tyrel Lomax in the front row, with Josh Lord and Fabian Holland locking the scrum. Tupou Vaa’i and Luke Jacobson join Savea in the loose forwards.
Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown and Leroy Carter provide backline cover from the bench.
“After all the build-up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first test underway,” Rennie said.
“We have selected a balanced mix of big-match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first test.”
Dave Rennie on the challenge ahead for the opening Test | Sport Nation
Rennie shared the first three franchise games had given the newer players a valuable taste of South African rugby, but warned the Test series would bring a significant step up.
“We know the Test series will be a huge step up,” he said.
“They are number one in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday.”
All Blacks team to play South Africa
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Josh Lord, 5. Fabian Holland, 6. Tupou Vaa’i, 7. Luke Jacobson, 8. Ardie Savea (captain), 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Ruben Love, 11. Josh Moorby, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Quinn Tupaea, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Bench: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. George Bower, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Anton Segner, 20. Peter Lakai, 21. Kyle Preston, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Leroy Carter.
