Jason Ryan reveals what makes Siale Lauaki a 'big ceiling' prospect

All Blacks scrum coach Jason Ryan has provided insight into why Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki was chosen for the Greatest Rivalry Tour of South Africa.

The young prop is the fifth Hurricanes front rower in the Greatest Rivalry Touring squad, joining club teammates Xavier Numia, Asafo Aumua, Tyrel Lomax, and Pasilio Tosi.

The 23-year-old prop was selected as one of the three front-rowers to join Rennie’s 44-man touring squad, with the Chiefs’ Ollie Norris and Crusaders hooker George Bell also part of the ten-man group.

Lauaki, a New Zealand U20 and All Blacks XV representative, has made 17 appearances for the Hurricanes over three seasons, and has continued to grow his skillset under Jamie Mackintosh’s guidance.

The versatile 1.94m, 125kg prop was battling several front rowers to make the Greatest Rivalry Tour squad, with the All Blacks coaching staff opting for Lauaki over experienced campaigner, 68-Test Blues prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi.

Addressing the media in New Zealand from Cape Town, the forwards coach described why Lauaki was added to the squad for the tour of South Africa, and what aspects of Lauaki’s game he likes.

“I think Siale, he’s a young project who’s got a big ceiling,” Ryan said from Cape Town.

“He’s incredibly mobile around the park, and he’s still feeling his way as a front rower, but again, this is what this tour is about.

“And he’s a great age to be surrounded by some real experienced players.”

For Norris, who had a taste of All Blacks action in 2025 under former head coach Scott Robertson, it’s another opportunity to showcase his talent on a world stage.

Ryan, much like his explanation on Lauaki’s ability, was full of praise for the Chiefs loosehead prop’s performance in the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season.

“I think on the back end of Super Rugby, Ollie was pretty exceptional in how he performed for the Chiefs, and I think he’s really growing as a scrummager.

“He’s an ex-loose forward, and that takes a little bit of time to get that right, but I think this tour, and I guess the opportunities that he potentially gets in club games, is a great opportunity for him to experience that.”

The forwards coach, who is among the small number of the All Blacks’ touring group to have experienced South Africa, is under no illusions of the challenge they face over the next seven weeks.

“Well, it is [a challenge], and you respect it, but you’ve got to take it head on. You’ve got to do your job to enhance the jersey every day, and try and be the best in the world every day.

“And when you come over here, I guess especially as a forwards coach, there’s nothing better to test yourself against the Springboks in South Africa, so really excited by it.

“We know that we’ve got a lot of hard work ahead of us, but I’m sure that over the next five to six weeks we will grow together.”