Three dreams come true: meet the All Blacks' newest bolters

Few phone calls change a life like the one telling you that you are an All Black. This week, three players took that call, and the joy is well worth celebrating.

When Dave Rennie named his 44-man squad for the tour of South Africa, RNZ reported three uncapped players were included: Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki, Moana Pasifika loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa and Chiefs first five-eighth Josh Jacomb. According to 1News, the trio were stunned when Rennie rang them on the Sunday to share the news.

At just 22, Ta'eiloa is a wonderful example of the provincial pathway doing its job. His rise through Southland rugby was singled out by 1News as one of the season's best stories, a reminder that the deep south still produces genuine All Blacks.

Lauaki, 23, has powered his way into contention through the Hurricanes and Wellington, and adds to the front-row depth Rennie will lean on across eight matches in six weeks.

Jacomb's selection is a lovely reward for patience and craft. Planet Rugby noted the 25-year-old made his provincial debut for Taranaki back in 2021 and his Super Rugby debut for the Chiefs in 2024, and is set to join the Highlanders next year. He is described as a calm, smart game-manager whose composure belies his years. His opportunity has opened up in part because Richie Mo'unga is not yet eligible, with Mo'unga instead lining up for Canterbury in the NPC this weekend, as Planet Rugby explained.

What is so nice about this group is the geography of it. A Wellington prop, a Southland-schooled loose forward through Moana Pasifika, and a Taranaki-bred playmaker at the Chiefs. Three provinces, three journeys, one black jersey. As Stuff reported, all three now have the chance to earn a first cap on the biggest of stages against the world champion Springboks.

For every young player grinding away at club and provincial level, this is the dream in action. Three of their own, called up together, ready to pull on the jersey for the first time. Here is hoping they savour every second of it.