The All Blacks begin the opening match of their much-anticipated “Greatest Rivalry” tour when they take on the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday morning, with kick-off scheduled for 5am NZT. Before the official matchday squad is announced, New Zealand rugby fans have the chance to select the starting XV they would like to see take the field.
All Blacks Squad Takes Shape Ahead of Cape Town Clash
The official team will be named on Thursday at 3am NZT, but supporters can make their own selections before the coaching group confirms its plans.
Head coach Dave Rennie has said he and fellow selectors Graham Henry and Neil Barnes completed extensive planning before the squad departed New Zealand. According to Rennie, the coaching staff had already mapped out the combinations they expected to use during the opening matches of the tour.
Injury Changes Affect Hooker Stocks
The tour has already encountered an early setback.
Hooker George Bell has been ruled out after suffering a calf injury and has returned to New Zealand. Bradley Slater has been called into the squad as his replacement.
Meanwhile, experienced hooker Codie Taylor will also miss the Stormers fixture as he continues recovering from the calf injury that forced him off during the All Blacks’ test against Ireland in Auckland last month.
Savea Yet to Join Touring Squad
Captain and openside flanker Ardie Savea has not yet linked up with the touring group after receiving permission from Rennie to remain in New Zealand for a short period.
He is expected to join the squad around 10 days before the opening test against the Springboks in Johannesburg, allowing him time to prepare for one of the year’s biggest international contests.
Barrett Confirmed to Start
One selection has already been confirmed.
Veteran playmaker Beauden Barrett will be named in the starting XV after missing the July test series. Rennie has made it clear that the experienced first five-eighth and fullback is set to feature from the opening whistle against the Stormers.
Select Your Preferred All Blacks Line-up
Supporters can now choose their own All Blacks starting side before the official announcement.
Work through each position from jersey No. 1 to No. 15 and select your preferred player from the available contenders. Once all positions have been filled, your team is complete and ready to submit.
With competition for places across the squad and several key players returning from injury, fans have an opportunity to compare their selections with the coaching staff’s choices when the official team is revealed.
Alexander Donovan writes for News Collective, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current events, emerging trends, and stories that matter.