Codie Taylor will captain the All Blacks for the first time when they face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening, as Dave Rennie rotates his squad for the final fixture before the first Test against the Springboks. The 109-cap hooker, who has been nursing a calf injury since the Nations Championship match against Ireland in July, returns to lead a side loaded with players fighting for Test selection.

Key squad news:

• Codie Taylor returns from calf injury to captain the All Blacks for the first time in his 110th match
• Josh Jacomb gets his first start at first five-eighth; Beauden Barrett shifts to fullback
• Props Tyrel Lomax and Xavier Numia make their first tour appearances
• Ardie Savea, Will Jordan and Cam Roigard not risked ahead of first Test
• Rieko Ioane starts at centre in the absence of the injured Billy Proctor
• Richie Mo’unga en route to Johannesburg but unavailable for the Bulls

Josh Jacomb gets his first run-on start at first five-eighth, becoming the third different playmaker to wear the number 10 jersey on tour after Beauden Barrett (Stormers) and Ruben Love (Sharks). Barrett, meanwhile, shifts to fullback — a position he has not occupied for the All Blacks since the 2024 tour of South Africa — providing Rennie with a fresh look at the 144-cap veteran in the number 15 jersey.

“Huge congratulations to Codie on his first All Blacks captaincy,” Rennie said. “He is a top man and has done a great job leading this tour group. This is a proud moment for an All Blacks centurion who has made a massive contribution to this team as a player and a leader.”

Taylor becomes the fourth captain used on tour after Patrick Tuipulotu (Stormers), Luke Jacobson (Sharks) and the absent Ardie Savea, who joined the squad this week but will not be risked before the first Test at Ellis Park on 23 August. Will Jordan (back) and Cam Roigard (calf) are also missing, with both yet to feature on the tour. Their continued absences will spark concern among supporters, though Rennie indicated he remained confident both would be fit for the Springboks.

“The plan was to give Cam 30 minutes off the bench but he pulled up a little lame,” Rennie said of Roigard, who was a late withdrawal from the Sharks match. “We’re pretty confident he’ll be right for the first Test. He’s played a lot of rugby this year.” On Jordan, the head coach added: “We need to get a decent training week into him next week. He’s not quite right, but he’s definitely better. We’re reasonably confident.”

The return of props Tyrel Lomax and Xavier Numia for their first tour appearances is significant. Lomax’s debut on tour had been delayed by an infected cut in his hand sustained since arriving in South Africa, and Rennie will be eager to see the tighthead come through unscathed given the scrum struggles that plagued the All Blacks against the Stormers. Numia’s inclusion at loosehead gives the Hurricanes prop a chance to push his claims for the Test starting role.

Fabian Holland returns for his second match of the tour, partnering Tuipulotu in the second row as he did against the Stormers, where the World Rugby Breakthrough Player of the Year produced an outstanding 58-minute display on his comeback from a long-term shoulder injury. The loose forward trio of Simon Parker, Anton Segner and Peter Lakai is also identical to the side that opened the tour in Cape Town.

In the backs, Rieko Ioane starts at outside centre alongside Anton Lienert-Brown as the All Blacks adjust to life without the injured Proctor. Ioane, who started on the wing against the Stormers before shifting to centre during the match, now gets a full run in the position. Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby occupy the wings, with Cortez Ratima partnering Jacomb in the halves.

Six players back up from the 54-0 rout of the Sharks: Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa all feature from the bench. Richie Mo’unga, who was confirmed as Proctor’s replacement earlier today, is en route to Johannesburg and due to arrive on Friday — too late for involvement against the Bulls. Damian McKenzie is also rested as he nurses the ankle injury suffered in Durban, though Rennie has maintained he will be fit for the first Test.

Rennie expects a significant step up in opposition quality from the Bulls, who have reached the URC final in four of the last five seasons and will be boosted by the return of several players from Springbok duty ahead of next week’s Test series.

“The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years,” Rennie said. “Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead.

“This is also our final hit-out before the first Test match against the Springboks, so it is an important game for us. There is healthy competition for Test spots so this is another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection.”

The match venue sits 1,350 metres above sea level, where the rarefied air allows kicks to travel significantly further than at ground level. The All Blacks have played at Loftus Versfeld 16 times since 1928, including four matches against the Bulls’ predecessors Northern Transvaal in 1949, 1960, 1970 and 1976 — winning the first three before losing the last 29-27. It was here, 20 years ago, that Dan Carter struck what remains possibly the longest penalty kick by an All Black, a 62-metre effort in a 45-26 victory.

All Blacks team to play the Bulls

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria. Saturday 15 August, kick-off 7pm local time (5am Sunday 16 August NZT).

1. Xavier Numia (2 caps), 2. Codie Taylor (c) (109), 3. Tyrel Lomax (51), 4. Fabian Holland (12), 5. Patrick Tuipulotu (57), 6. Simon Parker (8), 7. Anton Segner (2), 8. Peter Lakai (10), 9. Cortez Ratima (24), 10. Josh Jacomb (0), 11. Josh Moorby (2), 12. Anton Lienert-Brown (90), 13. Rieko Ioane (88), 14. Leroy Carter (7), 15. Beauden Barrett (144).

Reserves: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho (44), 17. George Bower (26), 18. Siale Lauaki (0), 19. Josh Lord (15), 20. Wallace Sititi (21), 21. Kyle Preston (1), 22. Timoci Tavatavanawai (2), 23. Emoni Narawa (4).

Les Kiss has turned to Carter Gordon at fly-half and made sweeping changes to his forward pack as the Wallabies look to seal a series victory over Japan in the second Flight Centre Series Test at Queensland Country Bank Stadium in Townsville on Saturday afternoon.

Key team news:

• Carter Gordon returns at fly-half for his first appearance since the Ireland Test, replacing Declan Meredith
• Massimo De Lutiis named on the bench for a potential debut as Wallaby number 1000
• Isaac Henry earns his first Test start at outside centre after Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii ruled out with a hamstring injury
• Almost entirely new starting pack — only Josh Nasser and Harry Wilson retained from Osaka
• Lukhan Salakaia-Loto named for his first Test of 2026; Lachlan Shaw earns first start; Charlie Cale starts at blindside
• A win would give the Wallabies three consecutive victories for the first time since 2024

Gordon’s return is the headline selection call in a team that features nine changes to the starting XV from last weekend’s gruelling 35-32 win in Osaka. The 25-year-old, who switched back to rugby union last year after a stint in the NRL, has not played since the opening Nations Championship Test against Ireland in July, when the calf injury that has dogged his 2026 campaign forced him to the sidelines. He was declared fully fit last week but Kiss opted to back Declan Meredith for the Osaka Test. This time, however, the new coach has made the change after Meredith struggled in the heat and was comprehensively outplayed by Japan’s brilliant young fly-half Ryunosuke Ito.

Your 23 to face Japan in Townsville 🦘

Live on @Channel9 & @StanSportAU 📺 pic.twitter.com/Y5sUEzduRB

— Wallabies (@wallabies) August 13, 2026

Gordon will partner scrum-half Ryan Lonergan in the halves, becoming the latest in a carousel at number 10 that has seen seven players wear the jersey since Joe Schmidt took charge in 2024. Ben Donaldson will provide backup from the bench, with Meredith missing the matchday 23 entirely.

The changes in the pack are even more dramatic. Only hooker Josh Nasser and captain Harry Wilson survive from the starting eight that took the field in Osaka, with Kiss overhauling his tight five and back row after what he described as a “physically taxing” week in Japan.

Angus Bell returns at loosehead prop alongside the experienced Taniela Tupou at tighthead, replacing Aidan Ross and Allan Alaalatoa respectively. Bell returns to Queensland Country Bank Stadium for the first time since his dramatic 84th-minute match-winning try against Argentina at the same venue last year.

There is an entirely new second row with Lukhan Salakaia-Loto named for his first Test of 2026 alongside Lachlan Shaw, who earns his first start in Wallaby gold after two appearances from the bench. Salakaia-Loto’s inclusion vindicates his controversial recall to the squad after he was overlooked for the Nations Championship. Miles Amatosero is unavailable after his 20-minute red card in Osaka resulted in a suspension.

The back row has also been reshaped, with the dynamic Charlie Cale selected for his first start at blindside flanker and Carlo Tizzano wearing the number seven jersey ahead of Fraser McReight, who drops to the bench. Rob Valetini is the notable omission from the matchday 23 as Kiss manages workloads ahead of a demanding run of fixtures.

In the backline, the only change beyond Gordon’s inclusion comes at outside centre, where Isaac Henry has been elevated to his first Test start after making his debut off the bench in Osaka. Henry replaces Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, who has been ruled out with a minor hamstring injury. The Reds centre will form a familiar midfield partnership with club teammate Hunter Paisami, who retains his place at inside centre. The back three of fullback Tom Wright, who wins his 48th cap, and wingers Harry Potter and Max Jorgensen is unchanged for a third consecutive Test.

The most compelling storyline on the bench is the inclusion of Gold Coast junior Massimo De Lutiis, the uncapped Queensland Reds tighthead prop who is in line to become the 1,000th player to represent Australia should he take the field. The 22-year-old, who rejected approaches from Ireland to re-sign with the Reds, famously bench-pressed a record 202.5 kilograms in the gym at Ballymore and has been earmarked for big things by Wallabies coaching staff since former scrum guru Mike Cron picked him for Australia A in 2024 before he had even made his Super Rugby debut.

De Lutiis joins Brandon Paenga-Amosa and Ross in the replacement front row, with Jeremy Williams again providing lock cover. McReight is the remaining forward replacement, while Tate McDermott, Donaldson and the versatile Filipo Daugunu round out the matchday 23.

“The coaches have looked to find some balance in the selection after what was a physically taxing Test week in the heat in Japan,” Kiss said.

“The whole group has worked hard this week and we know where we need to improve. This Saturday in Townsville gives us an opportunity to grow and strengthen our game on home soil in front of our supporters.”

A victory on Saturday would give the Wallabies three consecutive wins for the first time since 2024, following their 57-10 demolition of Italy and the narrow escape in Osaka. It would also provide Kiss with valuable momentum heading into a demanding stretch of fixtures that includes a two-Test tour of Argentina at the end of August, a home Test against South Africa in Perth, two Bledisloe Cup matches against New Zealand, and four November Tests in the United Kingdom.

Wallabies team to play Japan

Starting XV: 15. Tom Wright (ACT Brumbies, 47 caps), 14. Max Jorgensen (NSW Waratahs, 24 caps), 13. Isaac Henry (Queensland Reds, 1 cap), 12. Hunter Paisami (Queensland Reds, 36 caps), 11. Harry Potter (NSW Waratahs, 13 caps), 10. Carter Gordon (Queensland Reds, 10 caps), 9. Ryan Lonergan (ACT Brumbies, 9 caps), 8. Harry Wilson (c) (Queensland Reds, 40 caps), 7. Carlo Tizzano (Western Force, 15 caps), 6. Charlie Cale (ACT Brumbies, 3 caps), 5. Lukhan Salakaia-Loto (Queensland Reds, 45 caps), 4. Lachlan Shaw (ACT Brumbies, 2 caps), 3. Taniela Tupou (Racing 92, 71 caps), 2. Josh Nasser (Queensland Reds, 14 caps), 1. Angus Bell (NSW Waratahs, 54 caps).

Replacements: 16. Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Western Force, 22 caps), 17. Aidan Ross (Queensland Reds, 4 caps), 18. Massimo De Lutiis* (Queensland Reds, uncapped), 19. Jeremy Williams (Western Force, 29 caps), 20. Fraser McReight (Queensland Reds, 43 caps), 21. Tate McDermott (Queensland Reds, 54 caps), 22. Ben Donaldson (Western Force, 22 caps), 23. Filipo Daugunu (Queensland Reds, 22 caps). *denotes potential Test debut.

Match details: Wallabies v Japan, Queensland Country Bank Stadium, Townsville. Saturday 15 August, 3.00pm AEST.

Australia Sevens superstar Maddison Levi is in line for a potential Wallaroos debut after being named in a 30-player squad for the historic 100th Test against New Zealand in Auckland on August 22.

Levi, the all-time leading try-scorer for Australia on the HSBC SVNS World Series with more than 250 career tries, is one of four uncapped players in a new-look squad that also includes NSW Waratahs player of the year Amelia Whitaker, Queensland Reds captain Jemma Bemrose and Western Force forward Pia Tapsell.

Key team news:

• Maddison Levi included in XVs squad for the first time after withdrawing from 2025 Rugby World Cup consideration
• Four uncapped players named: Levi, Whitaker, Bemrose and Tapsell
• Caitlyn Halse, the youngest-ever Wallaroos debutant, returns from injury
• Reigning Player of the Year Tabua Tuinakauvadra unavailable through injury
• Georgina Friedrichs, Faliki Pohiva and Adiana Talakai also ruled out
• Ten players join the squad for the first time in 2026

The 24-year-old had been expected to transition to XVs for the 2025 Rugby World Cup in England but withdrew from the squad after discussions with her management, with manager Mat Rogers citing concerns about the timeline for her transition between formats. A year on, Levi’s inclusion marks a renewed push to align Australia’s Sevens and XVs programmes, with teammates Tia Hinds, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita also named in the squad.

Ten players join the squad for the first time in 2026, while 20 return from the Pacific Four Series in April, where the Wallaroos recorded one win from four matches — a 33-15 victory over Fiji — before defeats to Canada, the United States and New Zealand.

The Wallaroos are without several frontline players for the Auckland fixture. Tuinakauvadra, who won the team’s Player of the Year award in 2025, is sidelined with a knee injury alongside fellow award winner Friedrichs, who has a quad complaint. Power runners Pohiva and Talakai miss out with calf and neck injuries respectively, while 2026 debutants Ella Ryan and Brooklyn Teki Joyce are also unavailable.

Among the returning players, Halse — who holds the record as the Wallaroos’ youngest-ever debutant — is back in contention after a successful injury return through the Swyftx Super Rugby Women’s season. Leilani Nathan, Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke and Allana Sikimeti have also earned Test recalls.

Director of Women’s High Performance Tim Walsh, who is leading the coaching group for the remainder of 2026, framed the squad as part of a long-term project building towards the 2029 home Rugby World Cup.

“Achieving big ambitions requires an army of purpose-driven, disciplined and focus athletes with a management team that provides an environment that maximises potential,” Walsh said.

“It is a fresh start for everyone involved in the Wallaroos program and this next campaign is our responsibility to set a platform on the road to 2029.

“In what should be a fantastic occasion for our 100th Test match, our promise to align both programs also starts with the inclusions of Maddison Levi, Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea and Bienne Terita, who will add strike out wide.”

Walsh will be joined by Mike Ruthven, Reg Tayler, Ben Mowen and Duncan Chubb in the coaching set-up for the New Zealand Test and the WXV Global Series that follows. Sione Fukofuka, who departed his role with Scotland’s women’s team, has been confirmed as Wallaroos head coach from 2027.

The match at Go Media Stadium carries added significance as the Wallaroos’ 100th Test in their 32-year history, though the trans-Tasman record makes for sobering reading — Australia have never beaten the Black Ferns. With the WXV Global Series beginning in September, featuring matches against England, France and Scotland, the Auckland Test represents a vital opportunity for Walsh to assess his options ahead of an intense block of rugby.

Wallaroos squad for Test against New Zealand:
Jemma Bemrose* (Queensland Reds, uncapped), Lily Bone (ACT Brumbies, 3 caps), Emily Chancellor (NSW Waratahs, 37 caps), Piper Duck (NSW Waratahs, 26 caps), Waiaria Ellis (NSW Waratahs, 6 caps), Martha Fua (ACT Brumbies, 4 caps), Caitlyn Halse (NSW Waratahs, 15 caps), Tia Hinds (NSW Waratahs, 10 caps), Brianna Hoy (NSW Waratahs, 13 caps), Eva Karpani (Queensland Reds, 46 caps), Kaitlan Leaney (NSW Waratahs, 39 caps), Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea (Queensland Reds, 4 caps), Michaela Leonard (Western Force, 47 caps), Maddison Levi* (Australia Sevens, uncapped), Hera-Barb Malcolm Heke (Western Force, 3 caps), Brittany Merlo (NSW Waratahs, 3 caps), Desiree Miller (NSW Waratahs, 27 caps), Faitala Moleka (ACT Brumbies, 30 caps), Tania Naden (ACT Brumbies, 29 caps), Leilani Nathan (NSW Waratahs, 8 caps), Bridie O’Gorman (NSW Waratahs, 41 caps), Siokapesi Palu Sekona (ACT Brumbies, 27 caps), Allana Sikimeti (Western Force, 3 caps), Piper Simons (NSW Waratahs, 3 caps), Cecilia Smith (Western Force, 30 caps), Maya Stewart (NSW Waratahs, 26 caps), Pia Tapsell* (Western Force, uncapped), Bienne Terita (Australia Sevens, 6 caps), Amelia Whitaker* (NSW Waratahs, uncapped), Samantha Wood (Western Force, 15 caps).

*denotes uncapped player

Match details: New Zealand v Australia, Go Media Stadium, Auckland. Saturday 22 August, 1:05pm AEST (3:05pm NZST). Live on Stan Sport.