Apparently everyone is a scrum coach now. Daan Human has noticed. “It looks like every second guy is becoming a scrum coach now.” Then came the serious bit: “If you say we’re walking around, then we’ve been walking around for the past six years.”
The Boks’ scrum war has officially become rugby’s favourite courtroom drama.
The Springboks have levelled Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry at 1-1 after a gripping 33-26 victory over the All Blacks in Cape Town. But the fireworks continued after the final whistle, with Rassie Erasmus rejecting New Zealand’s scrum accusations and Dave Rennie promising more feedback to World Rugby.
Sir John Kirwan believes the second Rugby Greatest Rivalry Test will be decided by critical moments, tactical execution and the ability to impose a game plan early. His warning to anyone buying into the Springbok underdog narrative? “Never believe Rassie.”
Selection under pressure is often where squad depth reveals its value. New Zealand have made several changes for Saturday’s Cape Town Test, with Dave Rennie highlighting competition for places and a group still developing after four Tests this year.
Rassie Erasmus has brushed aside claims of deliberate time-wasting ahead of the Springboks’ Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry clash with the All Blacks, while Jaco Peyper has explained exactly what the laws allow. With Siya Kolisi and Ox Nche still racing the clock, the Boks face an All Blacks side promising high-intensity, multi-phase rugby. The rivalry needs no extra heat. It brings plenty of its own.
The All Blacks smashed the Bulls 50-19 at Loftus, scoring eight tries and producing 11 line breaks. Dave Rennie says his team still needs to find another gear for the Springboks at Ellis Park. The warning bell is ringing.
For the Sharks, the evening offered a hard lesson in the value of precision, depth and patience. For the All Blacks, it was a rain-soaked statement delivered with the subtlety of a wrecking ball.
Every chef dreams of serving the perfect first dish. On Friday night, Yaqeen “The Chef” Ahmed cooks on rugby’s biggest stage when the Stormers rookie lines up opposite childhood idol Beauden Barrett. The two-time World Rugby Player of the Year has already praised the young playmaker ahead of their unforgettable first meeting.
All Blacks loose forward Wallace Sititi is looking forward to returning to Cape Town as New Zealand prepare to face the Stormers in the opening match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour at DHL Stadium on Friday.
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