Three Tests into the Rennie era, the All Blacks have swept France, Italy, and Ireland — and their new coach believes they're still well short of their ceiling. Rennie was particularly pleased with the balance against Ireland: dominant set-piece, disciplined ball retention, smarter kicking, and a markedly improved defensive structure compared to the France game. His pointed acknowledgement that South Africa is 'a different beast' — noting the Boks put out a 'B side' and still beat Scotland — signals he's under no illusions about what's coming. Crucially, Rennie frames the Rugby Championship tour as a development opportunity regardless of results, suggesting he's building toward a longer-term game model rather than chasing short-term wins. For Springbok supporters, the piece is worth reading for Rennie's candid assessment of where the All Blacks stand and the specific areas he believes still have room to grow — useful context heading into what shapes up as a high-stakes series.
Rennie warns rivals: 'We've got a lot more in us'
Rennie's All Blacks swept their July Tests and he's warning there's more to come — but he's openly framing the South Africa tour as the real benchmark, and the piece unpacks what's improved, what hasn't, and what the Boks can expect.
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.
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.
Fainga'anuku's broken leg rules him out of Nations Championship and clouds Springbok series availability
Leicester Fainga'anuku faces 10 to 12 weeks out after fracturing his fibula in the Crusaders' semi-final defeat to the Chiefs, ruling him out of the Nations Championship and casting doubt over his availability for the opening Tests against the Springboks.
Umaga wants the All Blacks feared again — and Rennie's the man to do it
Umaga admits the All Blacks have lost their shine and outlines how Rennie's leadership culture — and Savea's role as a players' voice — aims to restore it ahead of a season that ends with four Tests against the Springboks.
Barrett ruled out five months as back surgery wrecks All Blacks captaincy and Springboks tour plans
Scott Barrett requires back surgery and is ruled out for five months, missing the Nations Championship and the All Blacks' four-Test tour of South Africa, leaving Dave Rennie without his captain for the entire upcoming international programme.