Andrew Mehrtens is pulling no punches ahead of Saturday's test, warning that the All Blacks head to Ellis Park without any realistic expectation of winning — and that the intensity will exceed even a World Cup final. It's a striking concession from a decorated All Black, and the full piece unpacks his reasoning on why the venue and occasion stack so heavily against New Zealand.
Mehrtens: Ellis Park is a mountain the All Blacks can't expect to climb
Mehrtens says the All Blacks face a near-impossible task at Ellis Park on Saturday, predicting the match intensity will surpass a World Cup final and that New Zealand can't realistically expect a win.
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.
Rennie's All-Time-High CPR: Bold Master Plan or Recipe for Injury Against the Boks?
Harry argues that Rennie has pushed New Zealand to an all-time-high CPR rate that is statistically unprecedented at Tier 1 level, and that sustaining it across four tests against the Boks' brutally physical defence risks injury attrition the All Blacks' squad depth cannot absorb.
All Blacks banking on innovation — but won't abandon their DNA against the Boks
Umaga signals the All Blacks will seek tactical innovation across the four-Test series without abandoning their fast-tempo identity — but his admission that the tour also serves a longer World Cup-building agenda raises the question of whether New Zealand can afford that dual focus against a Springbok side with nothing else on their mind.
Erasmus eyes Argentina match as injury-return audition ahead of All Blacks series
Erasmus will name his Argentina touring squad on Saturday, with the Buenos Aires Test doubling as a fitness audition for the RGR series against New Zealand. Only Nche and Mostert are unavailable, while ten players return from injury in time to be considered.
Erasmus holds no grudges over Brown's All Blacks move, eyes replacements
Rassie Erasmus says the Springboks have replacement candidates in mind for Tony Brown after New Zealand Rugby confirmed the attack coach will join the All Blacks setup post-2027 Rugby World Cup, while SA Rugby moves to finalise the rest of the coaching staff's contracts before year's end.