With the RGR series kicking off at Ellis Park on Saturday, Erasmus has singled out the All Blacks' breakdown physicality as his primary tactical concern — noting that their multi-phase game, combined with well-timed kicking attacks, makes them dangerous across multiple dimensions. He's also wary of the set-piece and lineout wrinkles the All Blacks have kept in reserve, things they didn't show in the Nations Championship. On the mental side, Erasmus acknowledged the occasion carries genuine weight — some Boks will be facing the All Blacks for the first time — while expressing confidence that both sides will play their own game without being dictated to. There's also a pointed aside about World Rugby's revised referee protocols, which Erasmus says have left coaches increasingly frustrated by their inability to engage match officials pre-game when teams can't agree to joint meetings.
Erasmus flags All Black breakdown brutality as Boks brace for Ellis Park opener
Erasmus has publicly flagged the All Blacks' breakdown aggression and multi-phase attack as his biggest concerns ahead of Saturday's Test, while also taking a shot at World Rugby's new referee access rules.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Stephen Donald: Robertson copied the Boks — Rennie must go back to All Blacks DNA
Stephen Donald backs Hansen's anti-copycat argument, saying Robertson erred by chasing the Springbok blueprint rather than New Zealand's tempo-based strengths — and expects Rennie to correct that course ahead of a blockbuster four-Test series in South Africa.