The All Blacks are under no illusions about the massive mountain that awaits them in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the Springboks; however, they are ready for the challenge against the world champions and South Africa’s United Rugby Championship franchises.
Following a hero’s welcome in Cape Town on Friday, the New Zealanders are bracing themselves for the first challenge against the Stormers next week at the DHL Stadium in the Mother City.
Head coach Dave Rennie confirmed on Friday that the squad had to take different routes in batches to arrive in the country due to the war in the Middle East. However, everyone except team captain Ardie Savea, who is on an extended break, is in Cape Town ahead of the opener.
According to the All Blacks coach, some players had to fly via Hong Kong, Perth and Singapore.
“Everyone’s here except Ardie; the last group arrived this morning,” Rennie said on Friday.
“Yeah, look, we were due to come through Dubai, but obviously with what’s going on in the Gulf, we ended up having to make later changes — maybe two or three weeks ago. Look, we’ve made it work. One group had to travel through Hong Kong, one through Singapore, and one through Perth. Ardie arrives just after the Sharks game.
“Our first game is here in Cape Town, so we’ll be based here until then. But once we’re playing other games, we’ll travel as one team. We won’t leave a group here (in Cape Town) or send another group ahead. We’ll be in the city and in the stands supporting each other in every match.”
The All Blacks will play three SA franchises first, starting with the Stormers, before facing the Sharks and Bulls. The first Test is at Ellis Park (22 August), the second at DHL Stadium (29 August) and the third at the FNB Stadium in Soweto (5 September). The arch-rivals will play the fourth match in Baltimore, USA.
According to Rennie, they are still growing as a team. However, like the Boks, they are unbeaten in 2026, and that should give them plenty of confidence heading into the tour.
“We’re building and are still a new side with a lot of new staff and young players. So we’re learning a lot. But we are well aware of how tough this challenge is; they are double world champions and Rassie (Erasmus) has done a phenomenal job here.”
