Planet Rugby's Nations Championship debrief on the All Blacks paints a picture of a side meaningfully reset under Dave Rennie. Three wins — over France, Italy and Ireland — don't tell the full story, but the manner of them does: a more expansive, front-foot style that the piece argues has genuinely re-energised the squad after the Robertson era stagnated. Will Jordan was the standout across the campaign, breaking Doug Howlett's all-time try-scoring record and finishing with six tries while contributing far beyond the try-line. Cam Roigard and Jordie Barrett were central to the creative shift, and Sam Darry emerged as a legitimate forward option. The piece is careful to note that France were understrength and Ireland have been inconsistent, but concludes that the All Blacks will arrive in South Africa as a genuine threat. The one lingering concern flagged is the hooker depth — specifically whether Codie Taylor can hold up physically, and whether Rennie wasted an opportunity to trial Taukei'aho or Aumua in a starting role before the four-Test series begins.
All Blacks look dangerous under Rennie — but the real test is coming to South Africa
Rennie's All Blacks went 3-from-3 in the Nations Championship with a more expansive style that's lifted the squad's mood and confidence. The real acid test is the upcoming four-Test series against the Springboks — and on this evidence, they'll be no pushovers.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
Fainga'anuku's broken leg rules him out of Nations Championship and clouds Springbok series availability
Leicester Fainga'anuku faces 10 to 12 weeks out after fracturing his fibula in the Crusaders' semi-final defeat to the Chiefs, ruling him out of the Nations Championship and casting doubt over his availability for the opening Tests against the Springboks.
James Doleman to referee South Africa v England as World Rugby confirms Nations Championship officials
James Doleman will referee South Africa v England at Ellis Park on 4 July, with Andrew Brace and Pierre Brousset as assistants, as World Rugby confirms the full list of officials for the July leg of the 2026 Nations Championship.
Umaga wants the All Blacks feared again — and Rennie's the man to do it
Umaga admits the All Blacks have lost their shine and outlines how Rennie's leadership culture — and Savea's role as a players' voice — aims to restore it ahead of a season that ends with four Tests against the Springboks.
Barrett ruled out five months as back surgery wrecks All Blacks captaincy and Springboks tour plans
Scott Barrett requires back surgery and is ruled out for five months, missing the Nations Championship and the All Blacks' four-Test tour of South Africa, leaving Dave Rennie without his captain for the entire upcoming international programme.