New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie said on Saturday he is confident wing Will Jordan and scrum-half Cam Roigard can be considered for selection for the first Test against South Africa in Johannesburg next Saturday after both completed a training session in Pretoria.
Fitness updates and selection thinking
Rennie confirmed neither Jordan nor Roigard featured in the All Blacks’ victories over South African franchises earlier on the tour because of niggling injuries, but both players have come through a training run and are on course for the Test.
"Will and Cam have come through a training session, so we are confident they will be fine. We just want them to have a full week of training," Rennie said in Pretoria on Saturday.
The coach offered a more cautious assessment of utility back Damian McKenzie, who can cover full-back and fly-half. Rennie said they were "less confident" about McKenzie’s availability but added there was still a "good chance" he would be available for selection.
Squad rhythm and leadership
Another notable name who has not yet played this tour is captain and No. 8 Ardie Savea. Rennie said Savea is being rested after a heavy workload in the months prior to the tour, but expects him to lead the team in the first Test at Ellis Park.
Rennie also commented on the late arrival of utility back Richie Mo’unga, who was added to the squad following the injury-enforced return home of centre Billy Proctor. Mo’unga, according to the coach, arrived late on Friday, has done substantial study of the team’s structures and will not be selected for the opening Test but should see game time against the Lions the following Tuesday.
Tour form and warnings ahead of the Springboks
New Zealand completed a hat-trick of victories over South African provincial sides this tour, closing the run with a comprehensive win over the Bulls on Friday. Rennie described the result as positive form-building while signalling the need to raise standards for the Test arena.
The tourists earlier recorded a heavy win in Durban, defeating the Sharks 54-0, and added a dominant performance against the Bulls, winning 50-19. Rennie stressed that the Test environment will be different.
- Will Jordan – completed training; likely available.
- Cam Roigard – completed training; likely available.
- Damian McKenzie – slight concern; availability uncertain.
- Ardie Savea – being rested; expected to captain first Test at Ellis Park.
- Richie Mo’unga – arrived late; not in first Test plans but to play against Lions.
- Billy Proctor – injured and returned home.
Reflecting on the Bulls match, Rennie acknowledged the difference between provincial fixtures and Test rugby, saying the Springboks will present a tougher challenge and that the All Blacks must "up the ante" next weekend.
| Opponent | Result |
|---|---|
| Sharks (Durban) | 54-0 to New Zealand |
| Bulls | 50-19 to New Zealand |
| Stormers | Victory (score not disclosed) |
Rennie was at pains to stress that Friday’s team against the Bulls was not the Test side and that several changes are likely for Ellis Park. The coach indicated confidence in his squad’s preparation but warned that the Springboks would "come much harder" and that New Zealand must be ready for the ramped-up intensity.
With the first Test looming next Saturday in Johannesburg, the All Blacks head into the match with encouraging momentum against domestic opposition but still facing selection questions around key backs. The fitness of Jordan, Roigard and McKenzie will be among the decisive factors in the team Rennie names for Ellis Park.
