New Zealand Rugby Deploys Fresh Squad for High-Stakes Sharks Matchup
All Blacks reshuffle roster with debuts ahead of Durban test.
Luke Jacobson will captain the All Blacks for the first time when they face the Sharks in Durban on Wednesday morning New Zealand time, with head coach Dave Rennie reshaping his squad after a dominant 38-21 opening victory over the Stormers.
Two players will make their All Blacks debuts off the bench. Chiefs hooker Bradley Slater and loose forward Semisi Ta’eiloa are set to pull on the black jersey for the first time, with Slater having joined the squad just five days earlier as injury cover for George Bell.
Rennie retained seven players from the Stormers win in the 23-man squad, though four of those move into the starting fifteen. Asafo Aumua, Sam Darry, Kyle Preston and Caleb Clarke all earn starting spots after featuring in the opening match.
“Luke is the obvious choice to captain the team against the Sharks. He is highly respected, has a great feel for the game and will lead through his actions,” Rennie said in a statement. The coach also acknowledged the two debutants directly: “Two more players will pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time against the Sharks. On behalf of the whole squad, I want to congratulate Semisi and Bradley on achieving this very special milestone.”
The opening fixture in Cape Town shaped Rennie’s thinking about what lies ahead. “The opening match gave the players a real introduction to the way that South African teams play and the Sharks will be no different,” he noted, signalling that physicality remains the defining challenge of the tour.
The All Blacks hold a perfect record against the Sharks, having won all six previous encounters. Their last meeting came in 1992, making Wednesday’s clash the seventh between the two sides.
The starting lineup features Ethan de Groot at loosehead prop, with Aumua hooking and Fletcher Newell at tighthead. Josh Lord and Sam Darry pack the second row, while Tupou Vaa’i, Wallace Sititi and Jacobson form the loose forward trio. Kyle Preston takes the nine jersey with Ruben Love at ten. Caleb Clarke starts on the wing alongside Jordie Barrett at inside center and Quinn Tupaea at thirteen. Fehi Fineanganofo takes the other wing spot, with Damian McKenzie at fullback.
The bench carries Slater and Ta’eiloa among the reserves. Ollie Norris, Pasilio Tosi and Ethan Blackadder provide forward cover, while Cam Roigard, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa offer backline depth.
Slater’s rapid rise from injury cover to potential debutant within days speaks to the squad depth Rennie has at his disposal. Whether that depth holds up against a Sharks side playing at home in Durban remains the question Wednesday will answer.
Q&A
Who will captain the All Blacks against the Sharks and why was he selected?
Luke Jacobson will captain the All Blacks for the first time. Head coach Dave Rennie stated that Jacobson is the obvious choice, highly respected, has a great feel for the game, and will lead through his actions.
Which two players are making their All Blacks debuts against the Sharks?
Chiefs hooker Bradley Slater and loose forward Semisi Ta'eiloa are set to make their All Blacks debuts off the bench. Slater joined the squad just five days earlier as injury cover for George Bell.
What was the All Blacks' result in their opening match and how many players were retained for the Sharks game?
The All Blacks won their opening match against the Stormers 38-21. Rennie retained seven players from that victory in the 23-man squad for the Sharks match, with four of those moving into the starting fifteen.
What is the All Blacks' historical record against the Sharks?
The All Blacks hold a perfect record against the Sharks, having won all six previous encounters. Their last meeting came in 1992, making Wednesday's clash the seventh between the two sides.