All Blacks Rest Ardie Savea as Codie Taylor Takes Captaincy for South Africa Tour
New Zealand's All Blacks will rest captain Ardie Savea during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, focusing on his return for the first of four Tests against South Africa. Savea, leading the team in the absence of lock Scott Barrett, will not participate in matches against four South African United Rugby Championship sides. Codie Taylor has been appointed as tour captain, as coach Dave Rennie aims to explore leadership options within the squad. The expanded 44-man group features three uncapped players: prop Siale Lauaki, loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, and fly half Josh Jacomb. Additionally, second row Fabian Holland returns after recovering from a long injury. The tour kicks off against the Stormers in Cape Town on 7 August, with the first Test against the Springboks scheduled for 22 August at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Rennie described the upcoming series as potentially the toughest tour in rugby, with a demanding schedule of eight matches in six weeks. He emphasized the importance of every player contributing, stating, "It will be an intense seven weeks of touring but an excellent opportunity for us to pit ourselves against the current benchmark team in world rugby." Rennie noted the decision to rest Savea was strategic, allowing him an extended break to prepare for the Test series. Other notable absences include Tamaiti Williams and Leicester Fainga’anuku, while Rieko Ioane returns to the squad after missing the Nations Championship. The All Blacks will face two more Tests in South Africa, concluding the series with a match in Baltimore. This reciprocal touring agreement ensures that these southern hemisphere giants will meet every four years.
Source: The Independent Sport - 2026-07-27