The four‑match series stands level at one win each, and the rivalry that pits the Springboks against the All Blacks has taken on an even sharper edge as head coaches Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie continue to trade barbs. The opening Test saw New Zealand dominate at Ellis Park with a 33‑16 triumph, only for South Africa to answer back in Cape Town, edging the Kiwis 33‑26 in a thrilling encounter. For that Cape Town match the Springboks originally named a front‑row trio of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw.
Yet, a mere hour before the kickoff the line‑up was altered, swapping in Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit while the first three were relegated to the bench. Erasmus explained the switch by pointing to the weather forecast: "We were expecting rain, so we chose a front‑row that could handle wet conditions.
The predictions for the week all suggested a damp surface." Rennie, however, refused to join the criticism. "We stuck with the squad we announced and it doesn’t concern us at all," he said. "They named their team on Monday, and that had no bearing on our selections.
No drama from my side." Under World Rugby’s regulations a medical dispensation is normally required for any alterations within 48 hours of a match. Because the Springboks‑All Blacks series is administered independently, Erasmus enjoys greater flexibility and has already made five changes to the squad named on Monday for the second Test, including a total overhaul of the front row. During the week, Handre Pollard went from fit to injured and was withdrawn, while Cheslin Kolbe recovered from injury and earned a place on the wing.
Erasmus hinted that further tweaks could still be on the cards for the third Test in Johannesburg, depending on the conditions. "If it’s dry and clear, this will be the starting XV, but if rain comes we may adjust a couple of positions," he said. While the two coaches have managed to keep the overall tone diplomatic, a specific technical dispute has flared up: the scrums. Rennie accused the Springboks of "walking around" in the set‑piece, alleging they angle their bodies sideways rather than staying square, which he claims gives them an unfair advantage by allowing them to slip past the All Blacks' front row.
The New Zealand coach was so annoyed that he said he would raise the issue with World Rugby. "The scrums were better tonight.
Referee Angus Gardner was firm in setting a mark and trying to keep the hookers in the same space. The Springboks drifted further left and he stopped them," Rennie explained. "We’ll give some feedback because they can walk around and then go straight through our tighthead. There are a few technical points we’ll share, but overall both teams managed to play through it.
I think Angus did a reasonable job." Erasmus fired back with a blunt rebuttal, telling Rennie not to spread what he called "nonsense." "We’ve been playing with this pack together for a long time. This is the first time anyone has suggested we are walking around.
Why would we suddenly start doing that? I won’t entertain that talk in the media.
The last line‑out was skewed and we contested it – I’m not going to moan about that. If they want to start complaining, it just shows they’re under pressure." The exchange raises the question: are these comments genuine tactical concerns, or are they part of a larger mind‑games strategy as the series reaches its climax?
Whatever the motive, the verbal sparring has set the scene for a third Test that promises even more drama, intensity and high‑stakes rugby – a fitting continuation of what has been billed as "Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry." Fans can catch every moment of the New Zealand tour of South Africa live on Sky Sports, with kick‑off times listed for the UK and Ireland. The broadcast offers a contract‑free streaming option via NOW, ensuring that the excitement of this historic rivalry is accessible to a global audience.