The All Blacks have confirmed their 23-man squad for their upcoming clash against the Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium in Pretoria, with New Zealand set to field a strong side for the highly anticipated South African fixture.
The match will take place on Sunday, August 16 at 5:00am NZT, with kick-off scheduled for 7:00pm South African Standard Time on Saturday, August 15.
Captain Codie Taylor will lead the All Blacks from hooker, while Beauden Barrett has been named at fly-half as New Zealand prepare for a demanding test against the Bulls.
Xavier Numia starts at loosehead prop, with Tyrel Lomax on the other side of the front row. Fabian Holland and Patrick Tuipulotu are named in the second row, while Simon Parker and Anton Segner join Taylor and Peter Lakai in the forward pack.
The starting lineup also includes Cortez Ratima at scrum-half, with Josh Jacomb selected alongside him in the halves. Josh Moorby and Anton Lienert-Brown are included in the backline, while Reiko Ioane provides another major attacking threat.
Leroy Carter completes the starting backline alongside Beauden Barrett.
The All Blacks have also named a strong group of replacements, giving the coaching staff plenty of options to change the game as the match progresses.
Samisoni Taukei’aho is included among the replacements, alongside George Bower, Siale Lauaki, Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa.
The selection of several experienced players alongside emerging talent makes this an intriguing All Blacks lineup. New Zealand will be looking to establish control early, particularly against a Vodacom Bulls side that will be familiar with the conditions and physical demands of playing at Loftus Versfeld.
Captain Codie Taylor will be central to the All Blacks’ efforts, while Beauden Barrett brings experience and creativity to the backline. Reiko Ioane and Anton Lienert-Brown will also be expected to provide attacking opportunities against the Bulls’ defence.
The forward battle could prove decisive. New Zealand will need to match the Bulls’ physicality at the set piece and around the breakdown, with players such as Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Peter Lakai and Anton Segner facing a major challenge in Pretoria.
The bench could also become an important factor late in the match. The inclusion of Taukei’aho, Bower, Lord, Sititi and Narawa gives the All Blacks significant impact options for the second half.
With the match taking place at one of South Africa’s most famous rugby venues, the All Blacks will face a hostile atmosphere and a serious challenge from the Bulls.
All Blacks XV vs Vodacom Bulls
1. Xavier Numia
2. Codie Taylor (C)
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Fabian Holland
5. Patrick Tuipulotu
6. Simon Parker
7. Anton Segner
8. Peter Lakai
9. Cortez Ratima
10. Josh Jacomb
11. Josh Moorby
12. Anton Lienert-Brown
13. Reiko Ioane
14. Leroy Carter
15. Beauden Barrett
Replacements:
16. Samisoni Taukei’aho
17. George Bower
18. Siale Lauaki
19. Josh Lord
20. Wallace Sititi
21. Kyle Preston
22. Timoci Tavatavanawai
23. Emoni Narawa
The All Blacks will now turn their attention to one of their toughest challenges of the fixture, with the Vodacom Bulls ready to test New Zealand’s physicality and defensive organisation from the opening whistle.
All eyes will be on Pretoria as the All Blacks look to deliver a statement performance against the Bulls.
