Rieko Ioane returns to the All Blacks squad for their four-Test tour of South Africa, an assignment head coach Dave Rennie described as "the toughest in rugby". Photo: Backpagepix
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie named three uncapped players in a 44-strong squad Monday while Rieko Ioane and Fabian Holland return for the All Blacks Tour of South Africa, an assignment he called "the toughest in rugby".
All 34 players from the successful Nations Championship campaign this month were retained, along with 10 additions to bolster the group for the gruelling seven-week Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR), that includes four Tests.
Experienced 88-Test back Ioane, who recently completed a sabbatical at Irish side Leinster, was among seven recalled All Blacks, along with lock Holland who missed the entire Super Rugby season after dislocating his shoulder. Ollie Norris, George Bell, Ethan Blackadder, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa are the others.
Debutants Siale Lauaki, Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and Josh Jacomb were included with New Zealand facing four provincial sides as well as the Tests.
