Jeff Wilson is making a bold case for Peter Lakai as the premier openside in world rugby, drawing a comparison that will resonate with any student of All Blacks history. The 23-year-old Hurricanes loose forward has been one of the standout players of the 2026 season — he featured across all four Tests in the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the Boks, shifting between six, seven and eight — and Wilson argues the position versatility masks how dominant Lakai has been specifically at the breakdown. The Michael Jones comparison is about more than athleticism: Wilson is pointing to a similar combination of range, ball-tracking instinct, physicality and decision-making that made Jones a generational benchmark. He also singles Lakai out alongside Jordie Barrett as the first two names he'd write on any All Blacks teamsheet — high currency in a squad that's been reshuffled under Dave Rennie. For Bok supporters tracking who'll be the most dangerous loose-forward threat over the next decade of Rugby Championship and World Cup cycles, Wilson's assessment is worth taking seriously.
Jeff Wilson says Peter Lakai is the world's best openside — and likens him to Sir Michael Jones
Jeff Wilson is calling Peter Lakai the best openside in the world and drawing comparisons to Sir Michael Jones — a significant benchmark for any Springbok supporter sizing up the All Blacks' loose trio over the next Rugby Championship cycle.
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.