All Blacks Squad 2026: Rennie's 44-Man SA Tour Group

Dave Rennie is set to confirm a 44-man All Blacks squad on Monday for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa — and the selection battle for the final ten spots is generating real debate among Kiwi rugby insiders. New Zealand Herald correspondent Liam Napier has laid out his expectations for who joins the 34 already locked in from the July international window, and the choices Rennie faces are anything but straightforward.

Prop Selection Battle in All Blacks Squad

Up front, Napier tips Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki as a potential bolter. His size, ball-carrying ability and recent switch to loosehead make him an intriguing option. With Tamaiti Williams unavailable, Chiefs loosehead Ollie Norris is expected to provide cover in the front row. At hooker, George Bell is tipped to return as backup, while Fabian Holland should slot in as a sixth lock alongside Jamie Hannah, who continues his development in the absence of the injured Scott Barrett.

Loose Forward Strategy and Forward-Back Split

The loose forward selection is where the real tactical puzzle lies. Napier argues it hinges on whether Rennie opts for a 6-4 or 7-3 forward-back split — a decision that could define how the All Blacks approach the physical demands of playing in South Africa. His read is that Highlanders breakout star Lucas Casey offers greater long-term upside than the more experienced Du Plessis Kirifi, even if that is a bold call given what's at stake.

In the halves, Napier backs Noah Hotham's inclusion on the strength of his running threat at halfback. Out wide, Rieko Ioane's versatility across centre and wing earns him a recall in this projection, with Timoci Tavatavanawai offering physical difference despite pace concerns. With Caleb Tangitau and Leicester Fainga'anuku both facing injury doubts, the back-three picture is thin. Emoni Narawa is identified as the most likely addition, fitness permitting.

South Africa Tour Schedule and Fixtures

From a South African perspective, this is the squad that will face the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions before the four-Test Springbok series dominates August and September. The provincial fixtures are not gimmes — South Africa's franchise sides are battle-hardened from the URC and a competitive Currie Cup campaign — and Rennie will know his squad needs depth tested before the real war begins against the Springboks.

The full eight-match schedule opens on Friday, 7 August when the All Blacks face the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, before Tests in Durban, Pretoria and Johannesburg follow. The series concludes with a fourth Springbok Test at MT Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September. Rennie's announcement on Monday will tell us exactly what ammunition he is bringing to South Africa.