The four‑match series now stands level at one win each, and the rivalry that has long been billed as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry is reaching a new peak of intensity as South Africa coach Rassie Erasmus and New Zealand boss Dave Rennie continue to trade barbs. The opening Test saw the touring All Blacks dominate at Ellis Park, posting a 33‑16 victory. The Springboks answered in kind a week later, edging the New Zealand side 33‑26 in a thrilling encounter in Cape Town. For that Cape Town match the Springboks originally named a front‑row trio of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw.
However, just an hour before the whistle, Erasmus made a surprise switch, moving Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit into the starting pack while the initial three were relegated to the bench. Erasmus explained the alteration as a reaction to the weather forecast, saying the team had prepared for wet conditions that never materialised. "We thought it was going to be wet and that's why we picked the front row," he said after the game. "The whole week’s weather prediction was rain." Rennie, for his part, declined to criticize the South African decision.
"We stuck with the team we named and it doesn't worry me at all," he remarked. He added that the Springboks’ lineup was announced on Monday and that the timing of their changes had no bearing on New Zealand’s selections. "No drama from my perspective," he concluded. Under World Rugby’s standard regulations, a medical exemption is normally required for any alteration within 48 hours of kickoff.
The South African‑New Zealand series, however, is run independently, giving Erasmus a degree of flexibility that would not exist in a typical international fixture. In total, he made five changes to the squad he announced on Monday for the second Test, including a full overhaul of the front row.
During the week, fly‑half Handre Pollard went from fit to injured and was withdrawn, while winger Cheslin Kolbe recovered from injury and earned a place on the wing. Erasmus hinted that further adjustments could be on the cards for the third Test in Johannesburg, depending on the conditions. "If it’s clear and dry this will be the team that starts, but if it rains we might make a change or two," he said, keeping his options open. Beyond the lineup shuffles, the most heated exchange between the two coaches has centred on the scrum.
Rennie has accused the Springboks of "walking around" during set‑pieces, suggesting they are angling illegally rather than staying square and driving straight. He argues that this tactic gives South Africa an unfair edge by allowing them to maneuver around the All Blacks’ front row. The New Zealand head coach was so agitated that he promised to feed his concerns back to World Rugby.
"The scrums were better tonight. I think the referee, Angus Gardner, was pretty strong around setting a mark and trying to keep hookers in the same sort of space. The Springboks moved across further left and he stopped them," Rennie explained.
"We will give a bit of feedback around that. It is still a bit of an issue for us because they are able to walk around and then go straight through our tighthead. There are a couple of little technical things we will share, again, but I thought at the end both teams were able to play off them. So I think Angus did a reasonable job there." Erasmus fired back at the New Zealand coach’s accusations with a blunt rebuttal.
"Don't come with that nonsense," he said. "We've been playing with this pack together for a long time. This is the first time in history anyone has talked about us walking around. Why would we suddenly start walking around?
I wouldn't come with that nonsense and say we are walking around and try to put those things out in the media. If I'm starting to put things out, the last lineout was skew and we contested.
I'm not going to moan my a— off about that. If they just want to start moaning about stuff like that, then they are under pressure." Both coaches appear to be using the verbal sparring as a form of psychological warfare, each trying to unsettle the other ahead of the decisive third Test. Whether it is genuine concern over technical infringements, a strategic mind‑game, or simply the heat of a fiercely contested rivalry, the exchange has added another layer of drama to a series already rich in narrative.
The upcoming match in Johannesburg promises to be even more charged. The altitude, the passionate home crowd, and the lingering question of whether the Springboks will alter their front‑row again based on weather conditions all combine to create a perfect storm of intrigue. Fans can expect a hard‑fought contest where every set‑piece, lineout, and tactical decision will be scrutinised by both coaching staff and pundits alike.
Beyond the on‑field action, the series has highlighted broader issues within the sport, such as the flexibility of squad selection rules in independently administered fixtures and the ongoing debate about scrum technique and enforcement. The dialogue between Erasmus and Rennie may well influence future interpretations of the laws, especially if World Rugby decides to review the "walking around" allegation. In any case, the third Test will serve as the ultimate litmus test for both coaches. Erasmus will aim to prove that his selections, even those made on a weather forecast, are justified, while Rennie will look to counter any perceived advantages and keep his side focused on execution rather than distraction.
The outcome will not only decide the series winner but could also set a precedent for how such high‑stakes rivalries are managed in the future. All matches are broadcast live on Sky Sports, with kickoff times listed for the UK and Ireland. Viewers can stream every minute of New Zealand’s South African tour, including the climactic third Test, via the Sky Sports app or the NOW platform, ensuring fans won’t miss a single moment of this historic showdown.