Dave Rennie has made the striking claim that the four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series presents a harder challenge than a Rugby World Cup campaign — higher praise for the Springboks than any ranking or trophy haul conveys. After three comfortable tour wins against the franchises, Rennie is under no illusions about what changes on Saturday at Ellis Park. His tactical read is pointed: the Boks lead the world in high-ball retention, 22-entries, and points-per-entry — meaning New Zealand's margin for defensive error is almost zero. Discipline and execution, he argues, are the levers that determine whether the All Blacks can limit the Springboks' access to their own 22, because once they're in there, the conversion rate is brutal. He also acknowledges the Boks can play expansively when they choose to — so the All Blacks can't simply defend the physical game alone.
Rennie rates Bok series tougher than a World Cup
Rennie has called the four-Test Bok series a tougher assignment than a World Cup, and backed it with a sharp tactical breakdown of exactly why South Africa's territorial and set-piece pressure is so hard to contain.
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.
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.
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.
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.