Former All Blacks hooker James Parsons and ex-Crusaders scrum-half Bryn Hall are both riding high on what Rennie's side showed during the Nations Championship — three wins over France, Italy and Ireland, all by five-plus tries. Parsons is drawing comparisons to the Cullen-era All Blacks, crediting McKenzie, Savea, Vaa'i and Jordie Barrett for reigniting public enthusiasm. Hall is the one making the bold call: he thinks the All Blacks have the tempo and ball-in-hand quality to 'run the Springboks off their feet' in South Africa. He's not predicting a blowout — he's predicting the style of the series. The Boks' set-piece dominance is acknowledged, but Hall's point is that Rennie's high-octane brand, backed by smarter game management (24 kicks against Ireland), is a genuine match for it. Worth reading for the Kiwi sentiment check heading into the series.
Kiwi insiders feeling nostalgic — and bullish — ahead of the Greatest Rivalry series
Two former All Blacks argue Rennie has restored the attacking identity that made them appointment viewing — and Hall is bold enough to predict they'll outrun the Springboks in South Africa, not overpower them.
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.
Fainga'anuku's broken leg rules him out of Nations Championship and clouds Springbok series availability
Leicester Fainga'anuku faces 10 to 12 weeks out after fracturing his fibula in the Crusaders' semi-final defeat to the Chiefs, ruling him out of the Nations Championship and casting doubt over his availability for the opening Tests against the Springboks.
James Doleman to referee South Africa v England as World Rugby confirms Nations Championship officials
James Doleman will referee South Africa v England at Ellis Park on 4 July, with Andrew Brace and Pierre Brousset as assistants, as World Rugby confirms the full list of officials for the July leg of the 2026 Nations Championship.
Umaga wants the All Blacks feared again — and Rennie's the man to do it
Umaga admits the All Blacks have lost their shine and outlines how Rennie's leadership culture — and Savea's role as a players' voice — aims to restore it ahead of a season that ends with four Tests against the Springboks.
Barrett ruled out five months as back surgery wrecks All Blacks captaincy and Springboks tour plans
Scott Barrett requires back surgery and is ruled out for five months, missing the Nations Championship and the All Blacks' four-Test tour of South Africa, leaving Dave Rennie without his captain for the entire upcoming international programme.