Ardie Savea to miss early All Blacks Tour Games

New Zealand captain Ardie Savea will be rested for the early part of the All Blacks’ Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa, but he is expected to return before the Test series against the Springboks.

Ardie Savea To Miss Early Tour Games

Savea has not been ruled out of the full South Africa tour. Instead, the All Blacks captain will sit out the opening non-Test fixtures against South African United Rugby Championship franchises.

Head coach Dave Rennie said the decision was made to manage Savea’s workload after a demanding period in international rugby.

“Ardie has carried a massive workload in the last couple of years and we think it is best for him to have an extended break so he can come back ready to lead us into the Test series.

"We have a number of excellent leaders in our squad who will embrace the chance to captain the side.”

The back-row star is expected to rejoin the squad before the first Test against South Africa at Ellis Park on August 22.

Codie Taylor To Lead All Blacks Early

With Savea unavailable for the early matches, experienced hooker Codie Taylor has been named to captain New Zealand during that stage of the tour.

Rennie said the move would also allow other senior players to step forward in leadership roles as the All Blacks prepare for one of rugby’s most demanding away assignments.

“The franchise games will provide an opportunity for other leaders in the group to step in as Captain, before Ardie Savea arrives in South Africa ahead of the first Test match," added Rennie.

All Blacks Prepare For Springboks Tests

New Zealand have named an expanded 44-man squad for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, which includes matches against South African franchises before the Test series against the world champion Springboks.

Three uncapped players have been included, with prop Siale Lauaki, loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa and fly-half Josh Jacomb earning call-ups. Rieko Ioane also returns to the squad, while several players remain unavailable.

All Blacks - Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry squad

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bell

Props: Ethan De Groot, George Bower, Xavier Numia, Ollie Norris, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki

Locks: Tupou Vaa’i, Patrick Tuipulotu, Josh Lord, Sam Darry, Fabian Holland

Loose Forwards: Peter Lakai, Simon Parker, Ethan Blackadder, Luke Jacobson, Anton Segner, Ardie Savea (captain), Wallace Sititi, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa

Halfbacks: Cam Roigard, Cortez Ratima, Kyle Preston

First Five-Eighths: Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie, Josh Jacomb

Midfielders: Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Billy Proctor, Anton Lienert-Brown, Timoci Tavatavanawai

Outside Backs: Caleb Clarke, Fehi Fineanganofo, Leroy Carter, Josh Moorby, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Emoni Narawa.