The All Blacks have named three uncapped players—Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Siale Lauaki, and Josh Jacomb—in their squad for the upcoming Test match. The announcement also confirmed that veteran fly-half Beauden Barrett will start, marking a significant milestone in his career.
Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, a 22-year-old lock from Tasman, has been rewarded for his strong performances in the NPC. Siale Lauaki, a 24-year-old flanker from Counties Manukau, and Josh Jacomb, a 23-year-old centre from Canterbury, also receive their first call-ups. All three players have impressed in domestic competitions and training camps.
Beauden Barrett, the most experienced player in the squad with over 120 Test caps, is set to start at fly-half. The 35-year-old has been in excellent form for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific this season. His inclusion provides leadership and stability to a relatively young backline.
The All Blacks are preparing for their next Test against Argentina in Wellington on August 1, 2026. Head coach Scott Robertson emphasized the importance of building depth while maintaining competitiveness. The match is part of the Rugby Championship.
