Josh Kronfeld is urging New Zealand rugby to temper expectations for the four-Test Greatest Rivalry series, arguing it's unfair to hold Rennie accountable for results against the Springboks given he's been handed a two-year runway to a World Cup rather than a full four-year cycle. Kronfeld's benchmark isn't winning — it's competitiveness. Close, attritional Test rugby would satisfy him; blowouts would not. His framing is essentially that Rennie's entire tenure is a World Cup construction project, and this series is just one phase of that build. For Springbok supporters, this is useful context: it tells you something about where All Blacks confidence actually sits heading into a series where the Boks will be playing three of four Tests at home.
Kronfeld lowers the bar: Don't judge Rennie on the Springboks series
Kronfeld argues Rennie shouldn't be judged on Springboks series results — his real mandate is building toward the World Cup, and competitive performances matter more than wins right now.
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.