Pacific stars ready for South Africa as All Blacks brace for rugby’s toughest tour

The All Blacks have arrived in South Africa for one of the toughest assignments in world rugby. And for uncapped prop Siale Lauaki, it is the moment he has dreamed about since he was a boy.

The 23-year-old is among the Pacific players preparing for "Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry" tour, which begins against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday before building towards four Tests against the Springboks.

“I remember when I was little, waking up early, watching the South Africa games with my old man,” Lauaki told PMN News. “It’s pretty rich in history, the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand.

“I’m just pretty excited, I’ve got really good support around me, my boys and coaches as well, so I'm just looking forward to it."

Lauaki has experienced rugby in South Africa before with the New Zealand Under-20 side and knows exactly what awaits.

He described the atmosphere as “hostile”, but says it is a challenge he is excited to take on as he begins his first tour with the All Blacks.

Former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw takes on the Springboks in Cape Town. Photo/Photosport

The visitors have already received a warm welcome in Cape Town, with local supporters turning out in black jerseys as the All Blacks arrived ahead of Saturday's opening match.

Head coach Dave Rennie says the team must embrace both the country and the challenge that come with playing in South Africa.

“We’ve got to make sure we embrace the country and embrace the challenge,” Rennie told journalists.

“It’s a pretty tight schedule and you’ve got times where one group is playing and the other groups training on the same day.”

The tour features four matches against South African franchises before four Tests against the Springboks, making it one of the biggest assignments of the All Blacks' season.

For Lauaki, success will not just be built on performances during matches but also on the relationships formed within the squad.

“I feel like if we get that right, then a lot of it will transfer onto the field.”

The All Blacks have already suffered an early setback. Hooker George Bell has returned to New Zealand after straining his calf.

"We are all gutted for George, to be ruled out of the tour so early," Rennie said in a media release.

“He’s had a frustrating past few months with injury so it’s a real blow for him to have injured his calf again. We look forward to seeing him return via the NPC and put himself in a position to push for All Blacks selection later in the year."

Taranaki and Blues hooker Bradley Slater has been called into the squad and is due to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday.

The All Blacks open their tour against the Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday, 8 August (5am NZT), with the Pacific contingent set to play a key role as New Zealand begins one of rugby's most demanding tours.

For more on the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, click here.