Nick Mallett's read on the Greatest Rivalry series goes beyond the scoreline. With the Boks holding a 2-1 lead heading into Saturday's decider in Baltimore, he argues that New Zealand's preference for quick ball off set-piece and movement-based rugby has inadvertently sheltered South Africa's older players from the physical attrition that genuinely threatens them. The All Blacks have run in 13 tries to the Boks' eight, but their refusal to engage in the forward battle has meant they've repeatedly conceded penalties and ceded control precisely where the Springboks are most dangerous. Mallett's point is pointed: it's the Boks doing the physical damage, not receiving it. When he draws the contrast with France and England at the 2023 World Cup — where the Boks were genuinely pushed and, by his own admission, fortunate to survive — the implication is clear: this series hasn't been the acid test some might assume. A 3-1 series win would still build World Cup confidence, but Mallett wants that caveat on the record.
Mallett: All Blacks' style is actually doing the Boks a favour
Mallett argues New Zealand's movement-based game has inadvertently protected the Boks' older players from physical punishment — and that the Boks winning the penalty battle in the forwards, not the try count, is the real story of the series.
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.
World Rugby scraps home weighting in first rankings overhaul since 2003
World Rugby will eliminate home weighting from its rankings points calculation from July 1, 2026 — the first major change to the system since its 2003 introduction — citing the surge in Tests played at neutral venues, including the Springboks vs All Blacks Baltimore clash.
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 clarity on Tony Brown's post-2027 departure: 'We've made the mistake in the past'
Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 after his Springbok contract expires at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Rassie Erasmus welcoming the early clarity as SA Rugby looks to avoid the contractual uncertainty that complicated preparations for France 2023.
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.