Ardie Savea rested as All Blacks prepare for South Africa tour
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 27, 2026, 7:18 AM
Last updated Jul 27, 2026
New Zealand’s rugby team has announced that captain Ardie Savea will be rested during the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour in South Africa. Codie Taylor will take over captaincy as Savea sits out matches against four South African United Rugby Championship teams. Head coach Dave Rennie included three uncapped players in the 44-man squad, aiming for player development ahead of their first Test against the Springboks on August 22. The All Blacks will start their tour on August 7 against the Stormers in Cape Town. Savea is expected to rejoin the team prior to the Test match.
- •Savea will miss matches against South African teams.
- •Codie Taylor appointed as tour captain.
- •Tour starts on August 7 in Cape Town.
- •First Test against South Africa set for August 22.
- •Rennie's squad features three uncapped players.
- 7:18 AMYahoo Sports — All Blacks to rest captain Ardie Savea for part of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa
"Codie Taylor has been named tour captain with three uncapped inclusions in Dave Rennie’s New Zealand squad
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