All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has named Josh Jacomb and Siale Lauaki in the squad to face the DHL Stormers on 8 August. Josh and Siale are potential debutants, and Rennie knows exactly how it would be for the two stars and their families.
Indeed, it’s a tough test for the All Blacks as they visited South Africa on a tour 30 years after 1996. With that, their first game will be against a tough side in the Stormers, a team with a lot of experience and success.
DAVE RENNIE ON JOSH JACOMB AND SIALE LAUAKI’S POTENTIAL DEBUTS
The Hurricanes’ powerful prop, Siale Lauaki, and Chiefs pivot, Josh Jacomb, have had wonderful seasons and are now set to represent the All Blacks. Speaking after announcing the squad, All Blacks coach Dave Rennie shared his thoughts on the two stars.
“Firstly, I want to congratulate the new All Blacks Siale and Josh. It will be a very exciting and proud day for them and their families,” Rennie said, speaking of the two new faces.
“We’ve had a great welcome in Cape Town, and we’re excited to get this tour underway.” Dave continued grateful for the welcome and preparation they had in Cape Town.
“We are really pleased with how our leaders, including match-day captain Patrick and tour captain Codie, have prepared the group. We can’t wait for Friday,” he continued.
“We’re well aware of how good this Stormers side is. They made the semifinals of the United Rugby Championship last year, and they are a big, physical side with a mix of talented youngsters and Springboks, so we are preparing for a real war of attrition,” he finished explaining how much they are aware of the threats the DHL Stormers will pose to them.
They are not taking this game for granted or looking down upon their first opponent.
DAVE RENNIE NAMES THE ALL BLACKS SQUAD FOR THE STORMERS GAME
With some interesting notes, like the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year Fabian Holland returning from injury. Here is the full squad as announced.
All Blacks team to play the Stormers
- George Bower (26, 0)
- Samisoni Taukei’aho (44, 0)
- Pasilio Tosi (17, 0)
- Fabian Holland (12, 0)
- Patrick Tuipulotu (57, 2) (Captain)
- Simon Parker (8, 0)
- Peter Lakai (10, 0)
- Wallace Sititi (21, 0)
- Cortez Ratima (24, 0)
- Beauden Barrett (144, 1)
- Rieko Ioane (88, 0)
- Anton Lienert-Brown (90, 1)
- Billy Proctor (13, 0)
- Leroy Carter (7, 0)
- Josh Moorby (2, 0)
Reserves
16. Asafo Aumua (22, 2)
17. Ollie Norris (3, 0)
18. Siale Lauaki *
19. Sam Darry (10, 0)
20. Ethan Blackadder (14, 0)
21. Kyle Preston (1, 0)
22. Josh Jacomb *
23. Caleb Clarke (35, 0)