All Blacks name Codie Taylor captain for Bulls clash, Mo'unga decision
By Theo BrennanCodie Taylor will captain the All Blacks in their final tour match against the Bulls in Pretoria, marking his first appearance on the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” tour to South Africa, as coach Dave Rennie makes comprehensive changes to the squad.
This fixture represents the All Blacks’ last opportunity to fine-tune their selections before the Test series against the Springboks, with significant competition for starting berths.
Taylor Assumes Captaincy Amidst Rennie's Roster Shuffle
Taylor’s elevation to captain makes him the third player to lead the All Blacks on South African soil during this series Planet Rugby reported. The experienced hooker takes the helm as the team enters the match in strong form, having secured two victories from their initial two tour games. Their most recent outing saw a decisive 54-0 triumph over the Sharks.
Rennie has opted for an entirely fresh starting XV for the clash against the Bulls, a strategic move designed to assess player readiness across the squad. Notably, 14 players from this 23-man squad featured in the opening game against the Stormers.
The backline sees Beauden Barrett starting at fullback, with Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby occupying the wing positions. Rieko Ioane shifts to the midfield, partnering with Anton Lienert-Brown.
In the halves, Josh Jacomb makes his first start for the All Blacks after his debut off the bench against the Stormers, linking up with Cortez Ratima. The forward pack features a robust loose forward trio of Peter Lakai, Anton Segner, and Simon Parker. Patrick Tuipulotu and Fabian Holland are named in the locks, while captain Taylor is joined in the front row by props Tyrel Lomax and Xavier Numia, both also making their first appearances of the tour.
The bench reflects a traditional 5:3 split of forwards and backs. Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower, Siale Lauaki, Josh Lord, and Wallace Sititi provide forward cover. Backline options include Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai, and Emoni Narawa.
Acknowledging the Bulls Challenge and Test Preparation
Rennie underscored the significance of the upcoming match, noting the Bulls’ consistent performance as South Africa’s premier franchise side. The Bulls have reached the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years. Rennie acknowledged that Loftus Versfeld, the match venue, is considered one of the most formidable rugby grounds globally, expressing anticipation for the challenge ahead Planet Rugby noted.
He emphasized that this fixture is the final preparation before the first Test match against the Springboks, making it a critical contest. The coach highlighted the healthy competition for Test spots within the squad, stating that this game presents another prime opportunity for players to stake their claim for selection.
Rennie extended significant praise to Codie Taylor for his inaugural All Blacks captaincy, describing him as a “top man” who has effectively led the tour group. He characterized the appointment as a proud moment for the centurion.
Mo'unga's Delayed Arrival and Future Implications
Meanwhile, outside of the touring squad, the All Blacks have had to manage Richie Mo’unga’s arrival. Rennie made an “obvious” decision regarding Mo’unga’s delayed integration into the squad following a recent setback, which saw Mo’unga making an “honest admission” that trust “has to be earned” upon his recall. This suggests an ongoing process of reintegration and establishing team dynamics.
In other rugby news, the Scarlets are actively strengthening their squad for the future, notably by signing Moana Pasifika tight-head Chris Apoua ahead of the 2026-2027 United Rugby Championship campaign RugbyPass reported. This move highlights the strategic recruitment efforts by URC teams to secure front-row talent for upcoming seasons, a common theme in world rugby coverage. Rugby fans can find more world rugby coverage on our site.
Competition Heats Up for Springbok Tests
The All Blacks’ current tour to South Africa is part of the “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series, a historic clash that consistently produces high-intensity rugby. The two initial wins have provided a positive impetus, but the Bulls fixture serves as the ultimate test of depth and cohesion before the Springbok challenge. This extensive touring period is crucial for the All Blacks to acclimatize and assess their options against robust South African opposition. Readers interested in previous matches can revisit our coverage of the All Blacks tour.