Dave Rennie has effectively flagged that the All Blacks' Greatest Rivalry tour is a depth audit rather than a performance showcase — and he's openly borrowing from Rassie's 2018 rebuild methodology to do it. After a patchy but ultimately comfortable win over the Stormers, Rennie confirmed wholesale changes for the Sharks match, with further rotation against the Bulls before the first Test. The goal is straightforward: stress-test the squad depth and identify his best Test lineup under competitive conditions. Rennie's Stormers debrief flagged tactical imbalances — particularly poor decision-making under pressure at 13 men — but he was encouraged by the composure of debutants and the fact that most Friday starters had minimal minutes in the Nations Championship series. For Bok fans, the piece is useful context on how Rennie views this tour window and what it signals about All Black preparation heading into the Test series.
Rennie eyes Rassie's depth-building playbook as All Blacks rotate for Sharks
Rennie has confirmed heavy rotation across the tour's non-Test fixtures, citing Rassie's long-term depth-building approach as the template. The Stormers win exposed tactical rough edges, but the All Black coach is treating the tour as a squad identification exercise ahead of the first Test.
Burger, De Villiers and Shimange back 'well handled' Brown departure
Burger, De Villiers and Shimange back the transparency of Brown's early announcement, with Burger flagging the succession opportunity it creates and De Villiers dismissing concerns about a coaching information freeze before Brown departs.
Gavin Rich: Boks, Bulls, Barbarians — and a season full of promise (and problems)
Gavin Rich previews a packed Springbok season, with sharp criticism of the Baltimore leg undermining the All Blacks series concept, scepticism about the Nations Championship's credibility, and cautious optimism for the Bulls ahead of the URC final.
Van Heerden called up as Moerat injury forces Springbok change
Ruben van Heerden has been called into the Springbok squad to replace the injured Salmaan Moerat, joining camp in Johannesburg ahead of the season opener against the Barbarians on 20 June.
Matthee 'never really been out of the team' as Stormers back him to fill Feinberg-Mngomezulu void against Leinster
Jurie Matthee starts at flyhalf for the Stormers in Saturday's URC semifinal against Leinster in Dublin after Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was ruled out for three months with an ankle injury. Assistant coach Rito Hlungwani says Matthee's integration into the starting side will be seamless, pointing to his consistent involvement in training and a strong record when called upon, including man-of-the-match performances against Benetton in Treviso and the Bulls away. Wing Seabelo Senatla, concussed against Cardiff, also misses the trip.
Dobson: Kolbe returning to win trophies, not to wind down
John Dobson says Cheslin Kolbe has made a major financial sacrifice to return to the Stormers, motivated by winning trophies rather than winding down his career, while warning the franchise is close to its limit on high-profile signings.