Dave Rennie isn't reading too much into the 50-19 win over the Bulls — he knows it was essentially a sparring session against a side three weeks into pre-season. His own words frame it best: the intensity the Boks will bring is "three, four, five-fold" higher. That's the real story here. The All Blacks head into Ellis Park on Saturday with injury question marks over McKenzie, Roigard, and Jordan, while Savea only landed in South Africa on Thursday having sat out the entire tour. The Boks, by contrast, have been quietly coiling — rested, watching, and with Kolisi's fitness the only notable concern. Rennie will name his side Thursday, but the selection pressure is real, and the warm-up window is essentially closed.
AnalysisSpringboksSuperSport Rugby
Rennie Eyes Bok Test After All Blacks Tune Up Against Bulls
Rennie's post-Bulls comments make clear the All Blacks treated the tour match as Springbok preparation — but they head into Ellis Park on Saturday with injury doubts over three key backs and Savea only just arriving in-country. The Boks look the better-prepared side.
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