Lions New Zealand: All Blacks name side for Ellis Park
The All Blacks have named their match-day 23 for Tuesday’s historic first meeting with the Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, with Richie Mo’unga starting at fly-half in his first All Blacks outing since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. For Lions New Zealand watchers, the midweek tour clash is a depth test just three days after the first Springboks Test.
Key Takeaways
- Richie Mo’unga starts at No. 10 against the Lions for the first time since the 2023 World Cup final.
- Prop Saula Ma’u is set for his All Blacks debut from the bench; Patrick Tuipulotu captains the side.
- Injury cover Ofa Tu’ungafasi and Jamie Hannah join the bench after flying in to the squad.
- Kick-off is 7.00pm local time (5.00am Wednesday 26 August NZT), live on Sky Sport.
- It will be the first All Blacks–Lions meeting; New Zealand played Transvaal sides eight times from 1928 to 1976.
Who starts for the All Blacks against the Lions?
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu leads a side built around midweek opportunity and squad rotation. The forwards pack is Siale Lauaki, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Pasilio Tosi, Sam Darry, Tuipulotu, Wallace Sititi, Ethan Blackadder and Semisi Ta’eiloa.
Behind them, Noah Hotham partners Mo’unga, with Emoni Narawa, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, Fehi Fineanganofo and Beauden Barrett completing the backline. Hotham returns for his first All Blacks appearance of 2026.
The bench is Bradley Slater, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Saula Ma’u, Jamie Hannah, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Josh Jacomb and Anton Lienert-Brown. Ma’u is set for a debut; Tu’ungafasi and Hannah were named after arriving as injury cover. Preston becomes the only player to have featured in every game on Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour so far.
Why does Mo’unga’s Lions New Zealand return matter?
Mo’unga’s last Test was the 2023 World Cup final, a one-point loss to South Africa. He spent three seasons with Toshiba in Japan, winning two League One titles, before rejoining the All Blacks environment.
“It’s really special. It’s been a long time. I’m grateful to be back in this environment,” Mo’unga told media, per the NZ Herald. He said he returned to chase a World Cup and avoid regretting not giving Test rugby another crack.
Under coach Dave Rennie, Ruben Love has started at fly-half through an unbeaten run of four Tests. Mo’unga said his focus is nailing the role asked of him against the Lions, then pushing other No. 10s in training.
What did coach Dave Rennie say about the Lions match?
Rennie congratulated Ma’u on his debut and stressed depth. With this 23 named, everyone currently in the squad will have played on tour. He praised players’ response to the quick turnaround and said the All Blacks must be at their best for another physical Lions challenge.
According to the official All Blacks announcement, Tuesday’s game is a historic first versus the Lions. Locals won the opening Transvaal meeting 6–0 in 1928—the first match at Ellis Park—before the All Blacks won the next seven.
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