Jasper Wiese is relishing the physical confrontation ahead of Saturday's clash, anticipating a wounded All Blacks side coming out desperate and aggressive. The piece taps into Wiese's mindset heading into the match — and his frank admission that the brutal, attritional side of Test rugby is exactly where he thrives.
Wiese expects All Blacks to come out swinging
Wiese is expecting — and welcoming — a physical backlash from a desperate All Blacks side on Saturday, with the piece exploring his combative mindset ahead of the Test.
Erasmus shuts door on Hanekom at eight — but opens the bench
Erasmus was uncharacteristically blunt: Wiese owns the eight jersey and Hanekom's standout Argentina display changes nothing at the top of the pecking order — though it may well have secured him a bench role for the All Blacks series.
Jake White: Henry's All Blacks return is a 'masterстroke' — and he's no ordinary selector
White calls Henry's return a masterstroke — not because of his selector credentials, but because of the psychological and cultural weight he brings to a rebuilding All Blacks camp. White also makes a pointed broader argument about the game's failure to learn from history, using his own 2007 World Cup experience as a case study.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.
Hooker targeting All Blacks opener after shoulder surgery, July Tests ruled out
Ethan Hooker is targeting the opening All Blacks Test in The Greatest Rivalry series after shoulder surgery, with the 23-year-old ruled out of all July Tests against England, Scotland and Wales.
Mo'unga ruled out of Springbok clashes as NZR holds firm on overseas policy
NZR has confirmed no exemption will be sought for Richie Mo'unga, ruling him out of the July Tests and Rugby Championship matches against the Springboks in South Africa, though a late-season call-up remains possible if he returns to domestic play and injury strikes.