New Zealand have named an extended 44-man squad for their test series in South Africa, running from 7 August to 12 September. The tour is billed as a celebration of "the greatest rivalry in rugby history", and Dave Rennie has rested almost none of his senior men.

Ioane recalled, Kirifi still missing

The announcement, made on the team’s channels, confirms the return of Rieko Ioane, who was left out of the squad for the first phase of the Nations Championship. Flanker Du’Plessis Kirifi, though, is still absent. Up front, the regulars Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot and Tyrel Lomax are there, alongside Patrick Tuipulotu, Fabian Holland, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi and Peter Lakai. Behind, the Hurricanes half-back pairing of Cam Roigard and Ruben Love is retained, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea in the centres and a crowded back three: Will Jordan, Caleb Clarke, Josh Moorby and Fehi Fineanganofo.

The backbone of the side that beat France is back

The comparison with the test won by a hair against France on 4 July (34-32) speaks for itself. Of the 23 New Zealanders involved that night, most of the core is retained: de Groot, Taylor, Lakai and Savea up front, Roigard, Love, Barrett, Tupaea, Clarke and Jordan behind, plus finishers Lomax, Sititi and Fineanganofo. The main changes from that team sheet are Ioane, Tuipulotu, Holland and Moorby. Put another way, the XV that broke France will serve as the template against the double world champions.

A yardstick before France v South Africa

The South African series will also work as a marker for France, who host the Springboks on 13 November in the second phase of the Nations Championship. The level Rassie Erasmus’ men show against a full-strength New Zealand will give a first measure of the challenge waiting for France.