Two debutants named for All Blacks against Sharks, Luke…

By Liam Carter — 10 August 2026 — 3 min read

All Blacks prepare for Sharks clash

All Blacks Head Coach Dave Rennie has named his team to face the Sharks in Durban, featuring two debutants. The match, scheduled for Wednesday, 12 August, NZ time, will see Luke Jacobson captain the team for the first time.

Hooker Bradley Slater is set to make his debut from the bench, having joined the squad recently as an injury replacement. He will be joined by loose forward Semisi Ta’eiloa, who is also making his first appearance in the All Blacks jersey.

Dave Rennie highlighted Luke Jacobson as the “obvious choice” for captaincy in the team’s second match of their South Africa tour. Rennie noted Jacobson’s respected standing, understanding of the game, and leadership through action. He also extended congratulations to both Semisi Ta’eiloa and Bradley Slater on reaching this milestone.

Team selections and returning players

Ruben Love returns to the first-five position after not playing in the previous match against the Stormers, where Beauden Barrett started at number 10. Fehi Fineanganofo, who was unavailable for the Stormers game due to illness, has been named on the wing for the upcoming match.

Seven players from the squad that defeated the Stormers 38-21 on Friday have been included in the 23-man squad for the Sharks game. Among them, hooker Asafo Aumua, lock Sam Darry, halfback Kyle Preston, and wing Caleb Clarke, who all came off the bench against the Stormers, will start against the Sharks.

Prop Pasilio Tosi, who started in the Stormers match, will provide impact from the bench. He will be joined by fellow prop Ollie Norris and loose forward Ethan Blackadder, both of whom are making their second bench start of the tour. Additionally, Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa are playing for the All Blacks for the first time this year.

Dave Rennie commented that the opening match provided the players with an introduction to the style of play of South African teams, anticipating a similar challenge from the Sharks. He noted the short turnaround between games and the excitement within the squad, with many players set to play their first game of the tour.

Luke Jacobson in action against France. — Luke Jacobson in action against France in July.© Photosport Ltd 2026 www.photosport.nz Credit: rnz.co.nz

Historical context and match details

The All Blacks have a history of playing against the Sharks’ predecessor, Natal, with six matches recorded. They secured five wins in 1928, 1949, 1970, 1976, and 1992, alongside a 6-6 draw in 1960. The initial two games were held at Alexandra Park in Pietermaritzburg and Kingsmead Cricket Ground in Durban, with subsequent matches taking place at King Park Stadium.

In total, the All Blacks have played in Durban on 15 previous occasions, achieving 9 wins, 5 losses, and one draw. During these matches, they scored 336 points while conceding 233 points. The kick-off for the upcoming match at Hollywoodbets Kings Park Stadium is scheduled for 5am NZ time on Wednesday, 12 August.