All Blacks coach confirms 2027 Springboks test locations

All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has revealed that the Springboks will play two test matches in Auckland and Christchurch in July 2027. These fixtures would occur two weeks after the Super Rugby final and ahead of a potential 2027 Rugby World Cup quarter-final in Australia. New Zealand Rugby has not yet confirmed these venues or fixtures.

Leicester Fainga'anuku is working to regain his place in the national squad following a fibula fracture and high ankle sprain sustained during a Super Rugby Pacific semifinal. Rennie noted that Fainga'anuku is "a little bit off the pace at the moment" but expects him to improve after playing 60 minutes for Tasman.

The All Blacks face the Wallabies in a two-match Bledisloe Cup series in Auckland and Sydney. The team is under pressure to defend a 32-year unbeaten run at Eden Park during the first test on October 10.

Key players Ardie Savea and Ruben Love are unavailable for the upcoming tests due to injuries. Savea is recovering from shoulder surgery, while Love is nursing a foot injury that may sideline him until next year. Additionally, Luke Jacobson is unavailable following elbow surgery.

How it developed

• Thu 1 Oct, 10:52amDave Rennie revealed the Springboks will play twice in July 2027 before a potential World Cup quarter-final.

Where reports differ

• Reports focus on different aspects, with one highlighting Fainga'anuku's comeback and another focusing on the 2027 Springboks schedule

Compiled from reports by Stuff and NZ Herald.