FIJIAN-BORN stars Timoci Tavatavanawai and Emoni Narawa are back in black.
The pair will make their much-anticipated return to the All Blacks when New Zealand faces the Sharks in South Africa tomorrow.
Their selection in the All Blacks match-day 23 marks the first time either player will take the field for New Zealand on the 2026 Greatest Rivalry tour.
For Tavatavanawai, it is a return more than a year in the making.
The powerful winger last played for the All Blacks in July 2025 when he made his Test debut against France in Wellington.
Narawa’s return comes after a difficult end to his last international outing.
He scored against the Springboks at Eden Park in September last year before being forced off with a rib injury.
Now both Fijian-born players have another opportunity to stake their claim at Test level.
Their return will be closely followed in Fiji, where both players remain popular figures among rugby fans.
Tavatavanawai and Narawa are among a growing group of Fijian-born players making their mark on the international stage.
For the two wingers, Wednesday’s clash is about more than simply returning to the All Blacks.
It is an opportunity to remind New Zealand selectors of what they can offer — and to reignite their Test careers.
