men’s
global stage
A heavily rotated All Blacks lineup will be led by captain Patrick Tuipulotu as they prepare to face the Lions in the concluding midweek fixture of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Test series.
The standout announcement is the selection of Richie Mo’unga at fly-half, a move eagerly awaited since his return to the squad. This marks Mo’unga’s initial outing for New Zealand since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. The fly-half is set to combine with Beauden Barrett, named at fullback, while Josh Jacomb provides cover from the substitutes’ bench.
Tour newcomers Noah Hotham and Saula Ma’u are set to make their first appearances on South African soil, with Ma’u poised to earn his international debut. Meanwhile, Jamie Hannah and Ofa Tu’ungafasi have been drafted straight into action after arriving as injury cover for Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, who were sidelined during Saturday’s thrilling victory against the Springboks.
Earning their maiden starts in the New Zealand jersey, Semisi Ta’eiloa and Timoci Tavatavanawai will add physical presence at eighthman and inside center, respectively.
Among the replacements, Peter Lakai, Anton Lienert-Brown, and Kyle Preston are primed to inject energy late on, replicating their roles from Saturday’s clash with South Africa. Notably, Preston maintains his status as the sole squad member to feature in every single match of this tour.
“To begin with, I’d like to extend my congratulations to Saula ahead of his All Blacks debut. This is going to be a highly memorable occasion for both him and his loved ones,” remarked New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie.
“By selecting this 23-man squad, every player currently on tour will have seen game time, which is fantastic for building squad depth and fostering healthy rivalry for positions in the Test lineup.
“I am really pleased with how the entire squad has handled the brief recovery window. Although we play the Lions only three days after our opening Test, the whole group has contributed to getting this side ready for action.
“We recognize the need to perform at our peak once more to handle what promises to be a highly physical encounter against a fresh Lions team that has been eagerly preparing for us.”
Matchup
Rugby Union Hybrid Exhibition
Lions
New Zealand
New Zealand Lineup to Face the Lions
1.??Siale Lauaki (0, 2)
2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (44, 2)
3.??Pasilio Tosi (17, 2)
4.??Sam Darry (10, 2)
5. Patrick Tuipulotu (57, 4) – Captain
6.? Wallace Sititi (21, 2)
7.??Ethan Blackadder (14, 2)
8.??Semisi Ta’eiloa (0, 1)
9.? Noah Hotham (3, 0)
10.? ?Richie Mo’unga (56, 1)
11.? ?Emoni Narawa (4, 2)
12.? ?Timoci Tavatavanawai (2, 2)
13.? ?Rieko Ioane (88, 2)
14.? ?Fehi Fineanganofo (1, 2)
15.? ?Beauden Barrett (144, 3)
Replacements
16.? ?Bradley Slater (0, 1)
17.? ?Ofa Tu’ungafasi (68, 2)
18.? ?Saula Ma’u *
19.? ?Jamie Hannah (1, 0)
20.? ?Peter Lakai (11, 2)
21.? ?Kyle Preston (2, 3)
22.? ?Josh Jacomb (0, 2)
23.? ?Anton Lienert-Brown (91, 3)
