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Peter Lakai is something of a symbol for the All Blacks’ next-generation talent: one of many fast-emerging figures set to absorb the benefits from exposure to this rare South African tour. Lakai is one of 21 players in the All Blacks’ 44-mansquad yet to face the Springboks in South Africa. He’s one of many, in fact, yet to confront any South African opposition since the country’s exit from Super Rugby six years ago. That will change this weekend, when Lakai starts at No 8 after a late switch due to Wallace Sititi’s late illness-enforced withdrawal for the tour opener against the Stormers in Cape Town. But to this point in his budding career, the absence of clashes against South African opponents illustrates the lost connection Lakai’s predecessors often savoured. Lakai travelled to South Africa three years ago for the under-20s world championship, but his New Zealand side didn’t play the hosts after failing to emerge from the group stage to finish seventh. Peter Lakai: "We don’t get the opportunity to play over here." Photo / SmartFrame The dynamic loose forward is one of 26 players (59%) in coach Dave Rennie’s squad yet to play in South Africa in this World Cup cycle. That reflects the extended squad size for the gruelling eight-match tour – and the turnover given that the All Blacks lost two tests in the republic two years ago under Scott Robertson. From their relentless physicality to the passionate, hostile crowds, nothing compares to confronting the Springboks in their backyard. There’s no comparison, no replicating the style and atmosphere, anywhere in the rugby world. That’s why this venture, only the sixth All Blacks tour of South Africa, will be invaluable development for those such as Lakai – a supremely talented prospect who could feasibly feature at the next three World Cups. “It’s good to be back in South Africa and play against the best rugby nation right now. We don’t get the opportunity to play over here,” Lakai told the Herald in Cape Town this week. “This will be a first. I didn’t get a chance to play against them in Super. I played one under-20s World Cup, but I didn’t get to play them then either.” Lakai recalls the Hurricanes claiming their first Super Rugby title against the Johannesburg-based Lions 10 years ago, and watching the countless, engrossing All Blacks-Springboks battles. He’s now eager to experience that first-hand. “We’ve talked about a lot of things. The first thing that comes to mind is their crowds. They are really passionate, and they play a part in the games. And then the way they play. They’ve got big, bruising forwards who like to get downhill. They like to slow the game down and go to the air and get the ball back. We’re aware of the threats they possess, but we’re looking forward to the chance to test ourselves. Peter Lakai: "It’s a great opportunity to be part of history." Photo / Photosport “As a footy player growing up, you always want to play in the biggest games, the toughest games. This tour will be nothing short of that. Everyone is excited for that. “We talked about it at the start of the tour. We got a few of the ’96 boys to share their experiences. It doesn’t happen often. It’s a great opportunity to be part of history.” From the outset of this tour, the All Blacks’ first to South Africa in 30 years, Rennie has embraced everything it will entail as he appreciates the long-term value it holds in shaping his wider squad. “It’s massive, isn’t it? We’re touring a country that holds the World Cup the last couple of times,” Rennie said. “It’s a proud rugby nation. A lot of our players haven’t played in South Africa – some for a while and some never since South African sides went north out of Super Rugby. “It’s a massive challenge, but it’s exciting. There’ll be hostile crowds and challenging environments. There’s the timezone to deal with initially, and then altitude, a lot of things our players haven’t experienced a lot of recently.” Lakai could evolve into a generational figure for the All Blacks. The 23-year-old, after 10 tests, remains in the infancy of his career trajectory, but he found a home at the back of the scrum last year. With Luke Jacobson now preferred at openside flanker and Ardie Savea switching to No 8 under Rennie, the starting loose forward picture is congested. Lakai’s versatility and ball-carrying presence leave him well placed to cement a spot in the test side, particularly with the All Blacks expected to persist with Tupou Vaa’i at blindside, which likely frees up two bench spots. Adding dominant defence to his portfolio would further elevate his status. “I wouldn’t say I have a positional preference,” Lakai said. “I played a lot of footy for the Canes at seven and eight, and six for the All Blacks this year. Any position they put me into, I’ll jump at the opportunity and try to make the most of it.” After starting the first test of the year at blindside, Lakai briefly appeared off the bench against Ireland at Eden Park. Compelling performances against the South African franchise teams should propel him into his first test against the Springboks at Ellis Park, the spiritual home of South African rugby. “I just need to continue to work to my strengths and play instinctively and back my skills. That’s got me here, so I’ll try to enhance that and make the most of my opportunities. “Dave drives eyes-up footy and playing instinctively, which is the kind of rugby I enjoy. I’ve been loving it. He’s a big driver of getting off the deck and working hard. We can really burn teams when we get it right. “We’re working hard and throwing the ball around. Getting the balance right will be the next step to our game.” What better place for Rennie’s next-gen All Blacks to test themselves than the home of the world champions? Liam Napier is a Senior Sports Journalist and Rugby Correspondent for the New Zealand Herald. He is a co-host of the Rugby Direct podcast. Listen to Elliott Smith’s live commentary on Newstalk ZB Sport and iHeartRadio, or join the Alternative Commentary Collective on iHeartRadio and Radio Hauraki.