Lima Sopoaga argues that what's most striking about Dave Rennie's early tenure as All Blacks coach isn't the defensive system or attacking structure — it's the human connection he's building within the squad. Speaking on the DSPN podcast, Sopoaga pointed to Rennie's ability to genuinely 'love people' as the defining quality that former players like Aaron Cruden have highlighted, and one that resonates particularly deeply in a squad heavily shaped by Polynesian and Māori culture. Sopoaga acknowledges the All Blacks aren't the finished product — they've leaked points across their three Nations Championship wins — but he's unconcerned, framing those issues as correctable over time. What he sees developing is a collective that will 'run through brick walls' for their coach, and with Ardie Savea leading the playing group, he believes the foundations are being laid for something significant by World Cup time. For Springbok supporters, the piece offers a useful read on what's driving All Blacks cohesion ahead of the Greatest Rivalry clashes — and why Rennie's squad may be more dangerous than the scorelines alone suggest.
Sopoaga: Rennie's greatest coaching weapon isn't tactics — it's connection
Sopoaga identifies Rennie's ability to build genuine human connection — not tactical innovation — as the All Blacks' most important development ahead of the Springbok showdowns, with the squad's Polynesian and Māori makeup making that quality particularly potent.
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.
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.
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.
Erasmus welcomes Brown clarity, vows not to repeat 2023 contract mistake
Rassie Erasmus has welcomed the early confirmation of Tony Brown's post-2027 move to the All Blacks, saying SA Rugby is determined not to repeat the mistake of leaving coaching futures unresolved in a World Cup year — a situation that played out with Jacques Nienaber and Felix Jones before the 2023 tournament.