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120 items · General · Reports
Barrett likens Soweto decider to World Cup knockout as All Blacks seek aerial edge
Jordie Barrett has described the build-up to Saturday's third Test in Johannesburg as resembling a Rugby World Cup knockout fixture, with the Greatest Rivalry series locked at one-all. The All Blacks midfielder identified aerial contests and defensive starts as critical areas requiring improvement after the Springboks' seven-point victory in Cape Town. Barrett acknowledged New Zealand's superior attacking statistics have not translated into results, with the visitors now facing a must-win encounter at FNB Stadium.
Kolisi returns to lead Springboks in Cape Town decider after injury setback
Siya Kolisi has recovered from his latest hamstring injury to captain South Africa in the second Test against New Zealand at DHL Stadium. The 35-year-old flanker missed the opening defeat at Ellis Park but insists the mental challenge of rehabilitation was tougher than the physical recovery. Kolisi will lead a side desperate to level the series after a 16–33 loss in Johannesburg.
Ratima targeting third Test return as Rennie manages scrumhalf resources
Cortez Ratima is in contention for the third Test against the Springboks after a PCL injury, with Dave Rennie managing a stretched scrumhalf group that has relied heavily on Kyle Preston throughout the tour.
Segner ruled out of All Blacks' remaining SA tour matches after ankle surgery
Anton Segner is out of the All Blacks' remaining South Africa tour fixtures after ankle surgery, with coach Dave Rennie opting against a replacement call-up.
Rennie pleased with Mo'unga's return but Segner ruled out of Springbok Tests
Dave Rennie says Richie Mo'unga will benefit from his first All Blacks appearance since the 2023 World Cup final, while Anton Segner has been ruled out of the remaining Tests after ankle surgery in Johannesburg — with no replacement to be called up.
Segner ruled out of Greatest Rivalry series after keyhole surgery
Anton Segner has been ruled out of the rest of the Greatest Rivalry series after keyhole surgery to clear an ankle infection, with All Blacks coach Dave Rennie confirming no replacement will be called up.
Segner ruled out of remainder of SA tour as All Blacks injury toll mounts
Anton Segner has been ruled out of the rest of New Zealand's South African tour with a post-surgery ankle injury, as the All Blacks' casualty list continues to grow ahead of Saturday's second Test in Cape Town.
All Blacks call up Tu'ungafasi and Hannah after head-clash injuries
New Zealand have summoned prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi and lock Jamie Hannah to South Africa following head injuries to Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord during Saturday's 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park. Both players left the field in the 37th minute after clashing heads at a ruck and will miss Tuesday's fixture against the Emirates Lions. The call-ups extend a mounting injury crisis that has already seen four players sent home from the tour.
Segner hospitalised as Rennie flags 'something brewing' with All Blacks loose forward
Anton Segner has been hospitalised for further assessment of what was initially diagnosed as acute inflammatory arthritis, with All Blacks coach Dave Rennie warning 'something is brewing' around the loose forward's condition. De Groot and Lord are ruled out of the Cape Town Test after concussion, with Tu'ungafasi and Hannah called up as cover.
All Blacks call up Tu'ungafasi and Hannah as injury toll mounts ahead of Cape Town Test
Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Jamie Hannah join the All Blacks touring squad as concussion cover for Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, adding to a mounting injury list that has already claimed four players to tour-ending injuries ahead of the second Test in Cape Town on 29 August.
All Blacks call up Tu'ungafasi and Hannah ahead of Lions clash
New Zealand have called up Ofa Tu'ungafasi and Jamie Hannah to cover for injured pair Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord ahead of the All Blacks' midweek clash against the Lions at Ellis Park.
All Blacks hit by head injury double blow after Ellis Park win
Dave Rennie confirms Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord face extended lay-offs after a head clash at Ellis Park, with Anton Segner's ankle also keeping him in doubt as All Blacks injury concerns mount on tour.
Rennie backs fit-again Holland and explains key selection calls ahead of Ellis Park Test
Dave Rennie has made only one change from the XV that beat Ireland, recalling fit-again lock Fabian Holland, with Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard and Will Jordan all confirmed to start at Ellis Park despite having no tour minutes.
Roigard, Jordan and McKenzie pass fit for All Blacks' Johannesburg Test
Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie shake off injury concerns to feature in the All Blacks' lineup for the first Springbok Test in Johannesburg.
McKenzie trending towards availability for Ellis Park Test as All Blacks await Ratima verdict
Damian McKenzie is trending towards availability for the Ellis Park Test after training fully on Tuesday, while Cortez Ratima's knee injury remains a concern and Noah Hotham has been called up as scrumhalf cover.
Ioane's resurgence could trouble Springboks as All Blacks brace for Ellis Park intensity
Rieko Ioane has emerged as a potential midfield threat for the All Blacks ahead of Saturday's Rugby's Greatest Rivalry opener at Ellis Park, with coach Dave Rennie acknowledging his side must significantly raise their performance levels. The 29-year-old's versatility and improved form have seen him shift from wing cover to a centre option following injuries to Caleb Clarke and Billy Proctor. Rennie warned that the intensity against the Springboks will be several levels above the All Blacks' 50-19 warm-up victory over the Bulls.
Mo'unga set for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry debut against Lions
Dave Rennie has confirmed Richie Mo'unga is in line for his first outing of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour against the Lions on 25 August.
Rennie confident Roigard, Jordan and McKenzie will be fit for Ellis Park Test
Dave Rennie expects Cam Roigard, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie to be fit for the Ellis Park Test, despite an injury-hit tour that has already cost the All Blacks George Bell, Billy Proctor and Caleb Clarke.
All Blacks dismantle Bulls 50-19 in final audition before Springbok Tests
New Zealand concluded their South African tour warm-up with an eight-try demolition of the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld, running out 50-19 winners. Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby each claimed braces as Dave Rennie's side averaged 47 points across three fixtures against franchise opposition. The performance leaves the tourists brimming with confidence ahead of the Test series opener at Ellis Park.
All Blacks lose Clarke to shoulder injury ahead of Springbok series
New Zealand winger Caleb Clarke has been ruled out of the four-Test series against the Springboks after rupturing a shoulder tendon during Tuesday's 54-0 victory over the Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban. Clarke will return home for surgery, with no timeline set for his return, and will not be replaced in the touring squad.