Three warm-up games, 142 points scored, 40 conceded — the All Blacks head into the Test series having ticked most of the boxes Rennie needed ticked. The Bulls loss was comfortable enough that it barely merits scrutiny on its own terms, but as the final audition before Ellis Park, it told a story. The attack, shaped heavily by Blair, is built around tempo at the breakdown, offload chains, and half-backs who distribute before defences reset — with Barrett and Jacomb interchanging at first receiver to keep opponents guessing. Crucially, the two glaring issues from the Stormers game — scrum consistency and discipline — both showed marked improvement, with penalties nearly halved. The piece singles out Segner, Carter and Barrett as standout performers, but argues the entire 23 gave Rennie selection headaches he'll be happy to have. The obvious caveat — Bulls and Sharks are in pre-season and missing Springbok-contracted players — is acknowledged, but the article's conclusion is clear: this All Blacks side looks organised, attack-minded, and ready.
All Blacks tour complete: What Rennie learned from a 50-19 dismantling of the Bulls
A breakdown of what the All Blacks' 50-19 win over the Bulls confirmed ahead of the Springbok Tests — improved discipline, a more consistent scrum, and an attack system that's clicking — plus what it means for Rennie's Test selection puzzle.
Hansen's Right to Back Himself — But the Boks' Five-Match Streak Tells a Different Story
Jean de Villiers acknowledges Hansen's logic but argues last year's results and performances make it hard to see the All Blacks closing the gap on the Boks — and the panel get genuinely animated over what a 2-2 series tiebreaker would even look like.
Springbok Recall! Relive Phepsi Buthelezi's 2025/26 Season
#SharksRugby #PhepsiButhelezi #Springboks
Matthee 'never really been out of the team' as Stormers back him to fill Feinberg-Mngomezulu void against Leinster
Jurie Matthee starts at flyhalf for the Stormers in Saturday's URC semifinal against Leinster in Dublin after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury. Assistant coach Rito Hlungwani says Matthee's integration into the starting side will be seamless, pointing to his consistent involvement in training and a strong record when called upon, including man-of-the-match performances against Benetton in Treviso and the Bulls away. Wing Seabelo Senatla, concussed against Cardiff, also misses the trip.
Dobson: Kolbe returning to win trophies, not to wind down
John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has made a major financial sacrifice to return to the Stormers, motivated by winning trophies rather than winding down his career, while warning the franchise is close to its limit on high-profile signings.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.