Pacific pair earn first All Blacks call-ups for Greatest Rivalry Tour

Two rising Pacific stars are set to realise their All Blacks dream after Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and Siale Lauaki were named for New Zealand’s tour of South Africa.

The uncapped props headline a 44-man squad for the eight-match “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour” and coach Dave Rennie is backing the pair to help tackle one of the toughest challenges in world rugby.

For Ta’eiloa, the Moana Pasifika loose forward, the call-up caps a remarkable rise after becoming one of Super Rugby Pacific's breakout players this season.

The powerful ball carrier finished among the competition's leading players for carries and defenders beaten, establishing himself as one of the driving forces behind Moana Pasifika's impressive campaign.

Lauaki, the Hurricanes front-rower, has continued his rapid rise with the Hurricanes after helping the Wellington franchise win its first Super Rugby Pacific title earlier this year.

The 23-year-old Sāmoan can play on both sides of the scrum, giving the All Blacks valuable depth for the demanding tour.

Siale Lauaki of the Hurricanes during the Super Rugby Pacific. Photo/Brett Phibbs/Photosport

The pair are two of only three uncapped players selected, alongside Chiefs first five Josh Jacomb. Rennie said every player would have a role to play during the gruelling six-week campaign.

“We are thrilled for those players who will have the opportunity to pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time, and welcome back those who are returning to the group,” Rennie said in a media statement.

“With eight matches in six weeks, including a four-Test series against the Springboks, this would have to be the toughest tour in rugby. Every player will be required to play their part across this tour, whether it’s preparing to play or helping their mates prepare.”

Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa of Moana Pasifika scoring a try. Photo/Brett Phibbs/Photosport

The squad again underlines the growing influence of Pacific players in New Zealand rugby.

Among those returning are captain Ardie Savea, winger Emoni Narawa, Wallace Sititi, Peter Lakai, Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Pasilio Tosi, Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Fehi Fineanganofo, Coretez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea and Highlanders captain Timoci Tavatavanawai, who has been selected in the midfield.

Savea will join the squad ahead of the first Test after being given extra time to rest with his family following the All Blacks' 40-21 victory over Ireland at Eden Park in the Nations Championship on 18 July.

Savea said the rest would be a welcome chance to recharge before turning their attention to South Africa.

"The families will be very happy. Our wives will be happy that we get to spend the week at home, and then worry about Africa when we need to," Savea said after the Ireland Test.

Rennie said the extended break was important for his captain.

“The franchise games will provide an opportunity for other leaders in the group to step in as captain, before Ardie Savea arrives in South Africa ahead of the first Test match.

“Ardie has carried a massive workload in the last couple of years and we think it is best for him to have an extended break so he can come back ready to lead us into the Test series.”

New Zealand Rugby chief executive Steve Lancaster described the tour as a landmark moment for the sport, with the All Blacks returning to South Africa for their first traditional tour in three decades.

He said the eight-match campaign would revive one of rugby's greatest rivalries and create lasting memories for a new generation of supporters.

"This is the next chapter in one of our sport's defining rivalries. It is our first full-scale, old-style tour in 30 years, since 'The Incomparables' led by Sean Fitzpatrick pulled off the All Blacks' first series win in South Africa in 1996’," Lancaster said in a media release.

From left: Olo Brown, Sean Fitzpatrick and Richard Loe in action for the All Blacks during their 1994 clash against the Springboks. Photo/Andrew Cornaga/Photosport

No Du’Plessis Kirifi

One of the biggest talking points from the squad announcement is the omission of Hurricanes captain Du’Plessis Kirifi, who again misses selection despite another outstanding Super Rugby season.

Instead, Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker and Crusaders flanker Ethan Blackadder are the other loosies selected for the tour.

The All Blacks will open their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday 8 August (5am, NZT), before warm-up matches against the Sharks in Durban on 11 August and the Bulls in Pretoria on 16 August.

The first Test against the Springboks in a four-Test series is set for Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 23 August, with the remaining Tests played at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, and Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States - marking the first time the famous rivalry will be taken to the US.

For more information on the tour fixtures and results, click here.

Team list:

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisonu Taukei’aho, George Bell.

Props: Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki.

Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipolotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Fabian Holland.

Loose Forwards: Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa.

Halfbacks: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston.

First Five-Eighths: Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb.

Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai.

Outside Backs: Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa.

Unavailable due to injury: Tamaiti Williams, Scott Barrett, and Leicester Fainga’anuku