Frank Bunce has returned to optimism about the All Blacks ahead of their four-Test series against South Africa, crediting Dave Rennie's early impact — three wins over France, Italy and Ireland — for restoring belief after a bruising post-2023 period. Bunce is under no illusions about the challenge: he acknowledges the Boks are supremely confident, playing in a golden moment for South African rugby, and that Erasmus has built extraordinary squad depth. The most striking detail is Bunce's mention — without naming the player — of a 20-year-old lock apparently bigger than Etzebeth already attracting Bok attention. Despite all of that, Bunce backs Rennie's side to win once they find their rhythm on South African soil.
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Bunce backs All Blacks despite Bok depth and a lock 'bigger than Etzebeth'
Frank Bunce backs a resurgent All Blacks to beat the Springboks in their upcoming four-Test series, but acknowledges South Africa's depth and even flags an unnamed young lock reportedly bigger than Etzebeth coming through the system.
- New Zealand
- Springboks
- Rassie Erasmus
- Eben Etzebeth
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