Josh Kronfeld has been measured but cautiously optimistic about the All Blacks' trajectory under Rennie, acknowledging that the team has been "confusing to watch" for several years — a pointed swipe at the Robertson era. Three wins from three Tests, including a tight one over France, have generated genuine public excitement back home, and Kronfeld believes there's a discernible identity forming. That said, he frames the Springbok tour as entering the "unknown" — South Africa's altitude, physicality, and the sheer novelty of a full tour there add layers of unpredictability. His bottom line is simple: collective buy-in to a clear game plan is what will determine whether the tour is a genuine statement or a reality check.
Kronfeld senses 'something growing' under Rennie ahead of Bok tour
Kronfeld says the All Blacks finally look like they're building something coherent under Rennie after years of confused rugby, but openly admits the Springbok tour is a genuine unknown — and that collective buy-in will be the deciding factor.
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.
Springboks lead World Rugby rankings by 3.61 points ahead of Nations Championship
South Africa top the World Rugby rankings on 93.94 points, 3.61 clear of New Zealand, as the Springboks head into the inaugural Nations Championship. World Rugby has also confirmed the removal of home weighting from the rankings system from 1 July 2026.
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.
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.