Overview
- The Bulls received late reinforcements when Springboks Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar were released from national camp and added to the bench after one training session.
- All Blacks coach Dave Rennie named a rotated side for Loftus with Codie Taylor back as captain and Beauden Barrett at fullback to give veterans controlled game time.
- Richie Mo'unga was brought into the touring squad as cover after Billy Proctor’s injury, while Will Jordan remains a fitness doubt for the opening Test because of a persistent back problem.
- Saturday’s Loftus fixture serves as New Zealand’s final competitive tune‑up ahead of the first Test at Ellis Park on August 22 and is a last chance for fringe players to press for selection.
- The tour combines midweek provincial matches and four Tests so coaches can manage workloads, rebuild injured players, and use franchise fixtures as live auditions for the Test series.