By Kevin Rademeyer, Sports Journalist.
Few sporting teams command the respect and mystique of the New Zealand All Blacks. For more than a century, they have set the standard in rugby, becoming the most successful team in the sport’s history.
With three Rugby World Cup titles, countless Rugby Championship crowns, and a reputation for innovation and precision, the All Blacks are greater than a sports team, they are an institution, a brand.
Their legacy is defined not only by victories but also by their ability to evolve. From tactical innovations at the breakdown to creative positional switches, transforming Michael Jones from a centre to one of the game’s greatest flankers, the All Blacks have consistently redefined rugby’s limits. “It was about finding talent, thinking ahead, and having the courage to act,” Andy Haden once explained, recalling that bold decision in the 1980s.
But even dynasties face moments of reckoning. The 2025 Rugby Championship has revealed vulnerabilities rarely associated with New Zealand rugby. A shock defeat to Argentina raised questions over discipline, tactics, and leadership.
Former coach Laurie Mains offered a frank assessment: “The great All Blacks teams of recent years have played a fast-tempo game and kept the ball moving. Now, they need to innovate around the breakdown to secure faster recycling and get the ball out before the defence can set.”
For John Kirwan, a legendary former wing, perspective is crucial. “It was probably the worst performance I’ve seen from the All Blacks for a while. The tackles were missed, the defensive line wasn’t coming up, and execution faltered. But I’m not worried—every team has an off-day, and this squad can bounce back.”
The questions extend beyond tactics. Should Reiko Ioane be deployed on the wing or in the midfield? Is the Barrett–Proctor partnership the right balance? How best to utilise Ardie Savea’s world-class skill set? And with Scott Robertson now at the helm, the scrutiny over whether the team can uphold the principles that have long defined All Black culture is sharper than ever.
We will receive the answers on Thursday when both camps announce the team for the match. The last time the Springboks announced their team so late was the World Cup Final.
Victor Matfield, a Springbok great, sees a broader shift in rugby. “There are five or six teams now that can beat anyone on any day. That opens up the Rugby Championship and makes it fantastic for competition.”
For the All Blacks, Saturday’s showdown with South Africa is a defining moment in their history. It is a chance to remind the rugby world of their enduring legacy, to show that innovation and excellence remain at the heart of their game. History has proven that whenever doubts surround them, the All Blacks find a way to answer.