Codie Taylor's post-match assessment after the Bulls win isn't just routine tour-wrap talk — he's pointing to something specific. His focus is on how the All Blacks responded to pressure moments in Pretoria: tight scrums on their own line, scramble defence from the back three, staying connected under the pump. His argument is that navigating those moments successfully, even against provincial opposition, builds the habits that will matter when the Springboks turn the dial up significantly. Taylor is also candid that the forward pack is a work in progress, but frames the tour as a deliberate build — Stormers to Sharks to Bulls — with Test week the real target. Six wins under Rennie, improving performances, and a hooker returning from injury talking about collective resilience rather than individual form: the piece sets up the series opener with the All Blacks in a quietly confident frame of mind.
Taylor confident All Blacks have built the mental resilience to handle Bok pressure
Taylor flags the Bulls match as proof the All Blacks are learning to 'nail moments' under pressure — exactly the currency the Springboks will demand next weekend. His forward pack assessment is measured but optimistic ahead of the series opener.
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.
Springbok Recall! Relive Phepsi Buthelezi's 2025/26 Season
#SharksRugby #PhepsiButhelezi #Springboks
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.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.