New Zealand All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has announced plans to expand the touring squad for the upcoming South Africa tour, increasing the group from the original 34 to 44 players. The tour, which will commence on August 8 with a match against the Stormers, is expected to be a demanding assignment involving four matches against provincial sides alongside key test fixtures.

Rennie’s decision to take 44 players marks an increase from previous tours, including the notable 1996 “Incomparables” tour led by John Hart, which took 35 players and secured a historic series win in South Africa. The larger squad reflects both the physical challenges of the tour and the strategic desire to deepen squad depth and foster combinations ahead of next year’s Rugby World Cup.

Several prominent players, including former captain Scott Barrett, prop Tamaiti Williams, wing Caleb Tangitau, and utility back Leicester Fainga’anuku, will not be traveling. The coaching staff have reportedly already selected squads for the initial four matches, although changes remain likely as the tour progresses.

Within the extended squad, distinct roles are expected between the midweek and matchday teams. Players on the fringe, such as flanker Simon Parker—who has not featured in the first three tests of the year—are likely to be deployed in midweek fixtures as a proving ground for future selection.

Among the first additions to lift the squad to 36 are Hurricanes loose forward Du’Plessis Kirifi and Highlanders lock Fabian Holland, the latter making a comeback from injury. Crusaders lock Jamie Hannah, who impressed on his recent debut against France, is also in contention, particularly as the team continues to explore options at the challenging No. 6 position alongside Tupou Vaa’i.

A fourth hooker is anticipated within the extra ten, especially following an injury to Codie Taylor. Candidates include George Bell and Brodie McAlister. Additional inclusions are expected to cover front-row depth with potentially two more props, further loose forwards, a fourth halfback—where Crusaders’ Noah Hotham, initially left out, may now join—and at least one more midfielder and outside back.

Midfield options may comprise Highlanders’ Timoci Tavatanawai, noted for his suitability to the demands of midweek matches, as well as Rieko Ioane or Chiefs centre Daniel Rona. At prop, loosehead Ollie Norris is pushing for selection alongside possible rookie inclusions such as Hurricanes’ Siale Lauaki and Chiefs’ Benet Kumeroa, both previous All Blacks XV players, addressing New Zealand’s limited loosehead options.

Back-row depth could be enhanced with new additions, particularly to bolster blindside flanker cover, given the ineligibility of Shannon Frizell until November and the potential loss of Samipeni Finau. Options include Crusaders forwards Christian Lio-Willie, Dom Gardiner, and Ethan Blackadder, complemented by Blues youngsters Torian Barnes and Malachi Wrampling. Wrampling’s aggressive playing style and versatility from No. 8 and blindside flanker make him a likely candidate for selection.

In the backline, although the squad already includes six players capable of covering fullback—Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie, Beauden Barrett, Jordie Barrett, Ruben Love, and Josh Moorby—the additions may focus more on specialist wing positions. Players such as Emoni Narawa and Chiefs teammates Isaac Hutchinson and Kyren Taumoefolau are being considered, with Taumoefolau’s eligibility delayed until November. Crusaders winger Chay Fihaki is also a potential selection.

Notably absent from the list of additions is a fourth first five-eighth, with Richie Mo’unga unavailable for the tour but eligible as an injury replacement under an agreement with New Zealand Rugby. McKenzie is currently playing fullback, and the squad composition reflects confidence in existing options at the flyhalf position.

Rennie is expected to finalize and announce the full touring squad on Monday, shortly before the start of the New Zealand Provincial Championship, which is unlikely to influence selections except in cases of injury. The expanded squad underscores New Zealand’s intent to balance immediate competitive needs with long-term development as they prepare for the World Cup.