All Blacks name 44-strong squad for the Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa

The All Blacks have named a big and bold 44-player squad for their Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour of South Africa, and there is plenty in it to smile about.

Head coach Dave Rennie expanded his group for what promises to be an epic assignment. As 1News reported, three uncapped players earned their first call-ups: Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki, Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and Chiefs first five-eighth Josh Jacomb. It is a lovely reward for three players who have grafted their way up through provincial and Super Rugby ranks.

They are joined by a welcome wave of returns. Planet Rugby noted that lock Fabian Holland is back after missing Super Rugby Pacific through injury, with Ethan Blackadder, Ollie Norris, George Bell, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Emoni Narawa and Rieko Ioane also recalled. That is a healthy blend of grunt and class heading into the toughest weeks of the year.

Rennie did not sugar-coat the size of the task. "This tour will challenge us and demand the very best of us. We have selected a squad that we know is up to the challenge," he said in comments carried by 1News and Planet Rugby. He went further, adding: "With eight matches in six weeks, including a four-Test series against the Springboks, this would have to be the toughest tour in rugby."

As RNZ reported, captain Ardie Savea will sit out the early matches and link up with the squad before the first Test, with Rennie keen to manage his workload. "Ardie has carried a massive workload in the last couple of years and we think it is best for him to have an extended break," the coach explained.

There is a nice storyline at first five-eighth too. 1News reported that veteran playmaker Beauden Barrett is set to start the tour opener against the Stormers, a timely return to the starting side for one of the game's great problem-solvers.

The tour builds towards a four-Test series against the world champion Springboks in late August, with the schedule also including a Test staged in the United States, as RNZ outlined. Eight matches in six weeks is a huge ask, but with new caps to blood and old heads returning, this is a squad brimming with purpose.

For Kiwi rugby fans, it is the sort of tour that gets circled on the calendar. Bring it on.