Sean Fitzpatrick, who captained the only All Blacks side to win a Test series in South Africa, is backing New Zealand to compete in the four-Test 'Greatest Rivalry' series — but only if they execute near-perfectly. Speaking at the trophy launch in Johannesburg, Fitzpatrick flagged discipline and set-piece as non-negotiables, warning that yellow cards or poor scrums against this Springbok pack will be punishing. He also pushed back on any notion that South Africa will look to slow the game down, pointing to their attacking potency as a genuine threat alongside their well-documented defensive and physical game. Fitzpatrick is comfortable with where Rennie has the All Blacks, noting the transition from Robertson has been smooth and the squad's warm-up performances against the franchises encouraging. His broader framing: with a World Cup 14 months out, this series is exactly the pressure-test New Zealand need — and getting to 1-0 up early would change the psychological complexion of everything that follows.
Fitzpatrick: All Blacks must get everything right — and catch a break
Fitzpatrick warns the All Blacks must be flawless in discipline and set-piece to win in South Africa, while also flagging the Springboks' attacking threat as underappreciated. He's cautiously confident in Rennie's setup ahead of a series he sees as the ideal World Cup preparation.
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.
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.
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.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.