Two starting debuts and two timely returns for All Blacks against Bulls

All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has named his matchday 23 to face the Bulls in the final fixture before next weekend’s series-opener against the Springboks.

The new starting XV features two starting debuts, one in the No.1 jersey for Xavier Numia and one in the No.10 jersey for Josh Jacomb. The Chiefs pivot’s selection comes as Beauden Barrett shifts to fullback, a position he hasn’t played for the All Blacks since he was last in South Africa in 2024.

There’s positive injury news to be found in the front row, too, with acting tour captain Codie Taylor and Tyrel Lomax both overcoming their setbacks to start in what is sure to be a hard-fought set piece battle.

The second row sees Fabian Holland suit up for his second match since returning from injury, partnering Patrick Tuipulotu, as he did against the Stormers. The backrow is also identical to the one that faced the Stormers, with Simon Parker, Anton Segner and Peter Lakai back in action.

Cortez Ratima will partner his Chiefs running mate Jacomb in the halves, no doubt aware he’ll need to perform to keep his place in the matchday Test team after Kyle Preston’s impressive showing against the Sharks. Also in the backline, Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane rekindled their midfield partnership, while Barrett is joined by Josh Moorby and Leroy Carter in the back three.

The bench features five players who got minutes against the Sharks on Wednesday morning: Josh Lord, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa, while a reserve front row of Samisoni Taukei’aho, George Bower and Siale Lauaki completes the matchday team.

Rennie appeared keenly aware of the challenge awaiting his men 1350 metres above sea level at Loftus Versfeld.

“The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years. 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,” Rennie said.

“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.

“Huge congratulations to Codie on his first All Blacks captaincy. 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.”

Fixture

Rugby Union Hybrid Friendlies

Bulls

10:00

15 Aug 26

New Zealand

All Stats and Data

All Blacks team to play the Bulls

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

Reserves

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