Gavin Rich makes no bones about it: the fourth test in Baltimore exists primarily for commercial reasons, and most rugby media on both sides agree the FNB Stadium last week was the real decider. But strip that away, and what remains is still Boks vs All Blacks with a trophy on the line — and Rich argues that matters more than the cynics are letting on. An outright RGR series win, he contends, deserves at least the same weight as a Lions series victory, and with two World Cups, three Rugby Championship titles and a Lions win already banked, adding the RGR would be a significant marker ahead of the 2027 World Cup. The key analytical question Rich poses is motivational: the Boks will have spent considerable emotional capital defending home soil, while the All Blacks face a deflation problem after failing to match the Fitzpatrick-era 'Incomparables'. Rennie has reshuffled significantly — partly through injury (Savea and Jacobson both gone), partly by choice — and Rich sees freshness as the one genuine All Black advantage. His read is that the Bok power game has hit its stride and should now be too much to contain, calling a South African win by 15 or more.
Baltimore may be a money game, but Gavin Rich still expects the Boks to close it out emphatically
Gavin Rich previews the Baltimore decider, arguing the commercial cynicism surrounding the venue shouldn't obscure what's at stake — an outright RGR title with genuine historical weight. He tips the Boks to win by 15+, pointing to All Black deflation, injury losses, and the Bok pack hitting peak form.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.
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.
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.
Erasmus welcomes Brown clarity, vows not to repeat 2023 contract mistake
Rassie Erasmus has welcomed the early confirmation of Tony Brown's post-2027 move to the All Blacks, saying SA Rugby is determined not to repeat the mistake of leaving coaching futures unresolved in a World Cup year — a situation that played out with Jacques Nienaber and Felix Jones before the 2023 tournament.