Uncapped trio called up for All Blacks' 'toughest' tour of South Africa

July 27 : New Zealand coach Dave Rennie has included the uncapped trio of loose forward Semisi Tupou Ta'eiloa, prop Siale Lauaki and flyhalf Josh Jacomb in his 44-man squad for the four-test tour of South Africa.

The trio are among 10 additions to Rennie's Nations Championship squad that beat France, Italy and Ireland in a perfect start to the inaugural global tournament.

Tupou Ta'eiloa, a 22-year-old flanker, made a name for himself at Moana Pasifika in the last couple of Super Rugby seasons after being overlooked by New Zealand's established teams.

With Moana Pasifika disbanded due to financial problems at the end of the season in June, Tupou Ta'eiloa is now hot property for his destructive ball-carrying ability.

Wellington Hurricanes' Lauaki will battle fringe props Xavier Numia and Ollie Norris for match minutes, while Otago Highlanders-bound Jacomb joins Ruben Love, Beauden Barrett and Damian McKenzie among Rennie's flyhalf options after a strong final season at Waikato Chiefs.

Former captain and lock Scott Barrett, explosive wing/centre Leicester Fainga'anuku and prop Tamaiti Williams were omitted due to injury.

However, Netherlands-born lock Fabian Holland was recalled after recently returning to action following a long recovery from a shoulder injury.

The other six additions are Norris, hooker George Bell, flanker Ethan Blackadder, midfielder Timoci Tavatavanawai and outside backs Rieko Ioane and Emoni Narawa.

"We're playing the best team in the world. It couldn't come at a better time for us," Rennie told a press conference in Auckland on Monday.

"We're going to be tested against a phenomenal side on their home patch, so it's exciting.

"This would have to be the toughest tour in rugby."

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