Savea named captain as Pacific duo break into All Blacks squad

Ardie Savea will lead the All Blacks into a new era under coach Dave Rennie as they head a squad packed with talent including two Pacific players who have earned their first shot in the black jersey.

Among the new faces are Hurricanes prop Xavier Numia and outside back Fehi Fineanganofo, who have both been rewarded for impressive Super Rugby Pacific seasons.

The Hurricanes capped their season in dominant fashion, demolishing the Chiefs 60-5 in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific final in Wellington last Saturday.

Savea was confirmed as captain on Monday after a stellar campaign with Moana Pasifika in 2025 before heading to Japan to join the Kobelco Kobe Steelers.

Rennie unveiled his first squad for next month's Nations Championship Southern Series.

Savea is one of several players of Pacific heritage selected, alongside Asafo Aumua, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Tyrel Lomax, Pasilio Tosi, Tupou Vaa'i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, Cortez Ratima, Quinn Tupaea, Caleb Clarke, and debutants Numia and Fineanganofo.

Numia's selection follows years of strong performances in the Hurricanes front row while Fineanganofo emerged as one of the competition's breakout players this year.

Rennie said the squad reflected the style of rugby he wants the All Blacks to play.

"We are rapt with this squad, players with the ability to bar up to the demands of test footy but also play with optimism and brutality," he said in a statement released by New Zealand Rugby.

Hurricanes teammates Fehi Fineanganofo and Xavier Numia have earned their first All Blacks call-ups after a standout Super Rugby Pacific season. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

"We look forward to connecting on Wednesday in preparation for three big tests against France Italy and Ireland."

The former Steelers coach, who guided the Japanese club to this year's Rugby League One title with Savea among his key players, also paid tribute to his All Blacks squad's four uncapped selections.

"Special congratulations must go to our four uncapped players. These men have each had an outstanding Super Rugby season and fully deserve their place in the squad," Rennie said.

"It will be a massively proud time for their families, friends and team mates," Rennie said.

Savea's captaincy, which is not his first, marks another milestone in a career that has already seen him become one of world rugby's most respected players.

"To serve this team, its people and its fans is one of the greatest honours in sport," Savea said in a statement. "I believe this role is about empowering everyone in the group to be the best that they can be: from the leadership, to the players and wider staff."

New All Blacks coach Dave Rennie unveiled his first squad on Monday, rewarding four uncapped players and naming Ardie Savea as captain for 2026. Photo/Photosport/Andrew Cornaga

The 32-year-old said the team would need support from across Aotearoa as they begin a new chapter.

"A united All Blacks team has the power to unite a nation," he said. "We are going to need all five million Kiwis to get in behind us as we walk towards the challenges that are waiting for us over the next 16 months."

The All Blacks squad's other two uncapped players are Blues' loose forward Anton Segner and Hurricanes' wing Josh Moorby.

Crusaders' Tamaiti Williams, Leicester Fainga'anuku and Scott Barrett, and Highlanders' Fabian Holland were unavailable because of injury while Jamie Hannah (Crusaders) has joined as temporary cover for Vaa'i.

The All Blacks open their season against France in Christchurch on 4 July before facing Italy in Wellington on 10 July, and Ireland in Auckland on 18 July.

All Blacks 2026 squad

Forwards: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Tupou Vaa'i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ardie Savea (captain), Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner.

Backs: Cameron Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston, Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan.