The piece argues that the Boks' 3-1 series victory over New Zealand understates the true gap between the sides. Across the final three tests, the actual winning margins — before late All Black consolation scores — consistently pointed to a 15-point differential, which the author treats as the real measure of where the two teams stand twelve months out from the World Cup. The Ellis Park defeat, counterintuitively, may have done Erasmus a favour: it forced selection continuity and allowed combinations to bed in, and the Boks visibly improved with each successive outing. The Baltimore win, in particular, blended the power-game DNA with the kind of running flair that the likes of Arendse and Willemse bring — a broader tactical palette that makes the Boks harder to plan against. The caveat is the 2010 lesson: after a similarly dominant 2009 Tri-Nations, the Boks stood still and the All Blacks adjusted, closing the gap quickly. The author's view is that Erasmus is too shrewd to repeat that mistake, but the evolution shown in the final two tests needs to continue, not plateau. Depth also remains a genuine concern — Rennie's pointed post-match question about how many current Boks will still be around at the World Cup cuts to the heart of it.
Boks lead the All Blacks by more than the scorelines suggest — but 2010 is a warning
South Africa's 3-1 series win over New Zealand was more commanding than the scorelines indicate, but the piece warns that the 2010 blueprint — where the All Blacks absorbed a Bok template and caught up fast — remains a live risk unless Erasmus keeps the tactical evolution moving.
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.
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.
Erasmus welcomes clarity on Tony Brown's post-2027 departure: 'We've made the mistake in the past'
Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 after his Springbok contract expires at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Rassie Erasmus welcoming the early clarity as SA Rugby looks to avoid the contractual uncertainty that complicated preparations for France 2023.
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.
All Blacks' loosehead crisis hands Springboks a ready-made weapon in Greatest Rivalry Series
Jeff Wilson has publicly identified loosehead prop as the All Blacks' most dangerous weakness ahead of four consecutive Tests against the Springboks — with Williams likely out, Tu'ungafasi's future uncertain, and the remaining options short on caps and experience. Set against the depth Erasmus has built across the prop positions, this piece maps out why scrum time could be where the Greatest Rivalry Series is decided.