Dangerous England fullback George Furbank, one of the stars of the side's first Test loss to New Zealand in July, can't wait to play the All Blacks next month.
Coach Scott Robertson first appointed Ellison to an assistant coach role with the All Blacks in 2023, and after Leon MacDonald departed the side in August, Ellison was given extra responsibilities.
Ten players with All Blacks experience have been named in the All Blacks XV squad, ahead of their two match Northern Tour against Munster and Georgia next month.
Former Springbok wing Gio Aplon believes the All Blacks are a likely hurdle to South Africa's hopes of achieving a hat-trick of Rugby World Cups in Australia in 2027.