“Basically a World XV” – Springbok fans mock All Blacks’ foreign-born players
Rugby NewsThursday, 20 August 2026 at 21:38
Springbok fans have poked fun at the All Blacks ahead of this weekend’s huge Test after the number of foreign-born players in New Zealand’s squad was highlighted.
South Africa and New Zealand renew their rivalry at Ellis Park on Saturday in the opening Test of their four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
And ahead of the blockbuster clash, the backgrounds of several All Blacks stars have become a talking point among Springbok supporters.
Players in the wider New Zealand group were born across Australia, Tonga, Samoa, Fiji, Germany and the Netherlands, prompting tongue-in-cheek comparisons to a “World XV”.
Of course, simply describing these players as imports would be misleading.
Several moved to New Zealand as children or teenagers and came through the country's rugby system before eventually pulling on the famous black jersey.
Here are the overseas-born All Blacks involved in the current setup.
1. Samisoni Taukei’aho – Tonga
The powerful hooker was born in Tonga before moving to New Zealand as a teenager.
Taukei’aho attended St Paul’s Collegiate School in Hamilton before progressing through Waikato and the Chiefs.
2. Ethan de Groot – Australia
De Groot was born in Australia but moved to New Zealand when he was extremely young.
The loosehead grew up in the South Island and developed through the New Zealand rugby system.
3. Tyrel Lomax – Australia
Lomax was born in Canberra and is the son of former rugby league international John Lomax.
He represented Australia at age-grade level before moving to New Zealand and eventually becoming an All Black.
4. Ollie Norris – Australia
Norris was born in Sydney before moving to New Zealand.
The prop went on to represent New Zealand at Under-20 level before establishing himself with the Chiefs.
5. Fabian Holland – Netherlands
Holland was born in the Netherlands and moved from Amsterdam to New Zealand as a teenager.
He attended Christchurch Boys’ High School and represented New Zealand Under-20s before becoming the first Dutch-born player to represent the All Blacks.
6. Anton Segner – Germany
Segner was born in Frankfurt, Germany, and arrived in New Zealand as a teenager.
He attended Nelson College and developed through the country's rugby pathway before earning his opportunity with the All Blacks.
7. Samipeni Finau – Tonga
Finau was born in Tonga but raised in New Zealand.
The powerful forward attended St Peter’s School in Cambridge and represented New Zealand Under-20s.
8. Wallace Sititi – Samoa
Sititi was born in Samoa and is the son of former Manu Samoa captain Semo Sititi.
He spent part of his childhood overseas before settling in New Zealand and attending De La Salle College in Auckland.
9. Timoci Tavatavanawai – Fiji
Tavatavanawai was born in Fiji before moving to New Zealand and making his name in the domestic game.
The powerful back has since forced his way into the All Blacks picture following his performances at Super Rugby level.
10. Emoni Narawa – Fiji
Narawa was also born in Fiji before moving to New Zealand.
He came through the New Zealand rugby pathway and has represented both Bay of Plenty and the Chiefs.
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- Jordie Barrett over Damian de Allende is far from being correct. The hype around Dupont is also overreaching, he's probably 4th in the world and has been since the 2023 WC. He also avoids certain matchups which is strange. The rest of the list is pretty good apart from minor subjective biases.JasonMarlow16-09-2026
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