Former All Blacks captain Kieran Read has backed recalled flanker Ethan Blackadder to make an impact against the Springboks during New Zealand's upcoming tour to South Africa, praising the Crusaders loose forward's unrelenting physicality.
Blackadder, 31, earned his recall to Dave Rennie's touring party after a strong finish to the 2026 Super Rugby Pacific season, having last represented the All Blacks in a 31-27 defeat at Ellis Park in Johannesburg two years ago. His Test career has been hampered by injuries since impressing under former head coach Scott Robertson in 2024.
Read highlighted Blackadder's ability to match the Springboks' forward pack physically. "As much as South Africa have shaped their game into something really nice to watch, their forward pack is running straight at you," Read said on The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Australia & New Zealand podcast. "They're going to find that person in front of them, and they're going to run straight over top of you if they can, and Ethan Blackadder will not relent. He will go at them just as hard or more and has the ability to knock them over."
Whilst Read suggested Blackadder may not immediately feature in the matchday 23 for the Rugby Championship Tests, he believes strong performances in the tour matches against URC opposition could force the selectors' hand. Former half-back Justin Marshall also endorsed the recall, emphasising Blackadder's experience and physicality as crucial assets for the series.