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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

After all Boks have achieved, we can't suddenly say Rassie is wrong to experiment with a RWC in mind. That said, a lack of balance across the 23 was exposed in Perth. Rassie got some answers re fringe players, but missed a chance to tick results box too rugby365.com/countries/so...

rugby365.com

Perth gamble yielded painful yet valuable RWC lessons

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a closer look at Rassie Erasmus' selection policy after things fell apart against the Wallabies in Perth.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Comms chaos, Bok fightback, Aus discipline implosion and 4 yellows... the most bizarre Test in Perth! Want to say Aus deserved are winners, but that frantic finish will have given Les Kiss a few more grey hairs. Boks will regret their own mistakes and flat start.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 27/09/2026

Boks converted what few chances they created – but a largely disappointing first half. Aus made plenty of handling errors but still scored 3 tries. But is 24-17 a big enough lead, with the Bomb Squad to come? Big test for the Wallabies now, although they do have a 6-2 bench

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

First time that all 4 SA teams have won on the opening weekend of the URC. Maximum points for the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls – while Lions scalped the URC champs. Stormers and Bulls banked those points overseas. Performances need work, but nothing wrong with those results

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Enjoyed the showcase of young talent in Durban – Giliomee, Moyo and co a joy to watch. Plenty of new Sharks recruits getting a chance, so synergy was always going to be an issue. Can't argue with 5 log points though, and JPP and company will view it as a promising start

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Springbok Women made to fight for an historic 41-29 win in Italy. SA were on course for a comfortable victory (24-12 up at HT) before Italy hit back. Samboya's heroic tackle denied the hosts a crucial score in the closing stages. Welman try at the death clinched the result

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 26/09/2026

Some bright moments for the Lions in a scrappy battle at Ellis Park. Cronjé and Mpeku offered plenty of impetus out wide, Pretorius et al made several crucial breakdown turnovers. Important win in the bag for the Lions, but Leinster fought hard for 2 BPs at the death.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Will Suaalii selection at wing influence Boks' kick strategy? Might be worth shifting point of (kick) attack. Pollard's had some success with those chips over midfield. 2nd half may be more physical than 1st, with both teams stacking their benches with heavy hitters in the pack

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Been a lot a chat about the Haashim Pead saga, even though he's (currently) 3rd-string. 3rd/4th stringers have a key role to play across a marathon season. Going by the Stormers' player-management last term – Pead should get more game time in Cape Town www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Haashim Pead tug-of-war puts club rugby’s biggest challenge into perspective

The Stormers’ signing of the ‘third-choice’ scrumhalf serves to show how South Africa’s leading franchises are stacking their squads ahead of a marathon 2026/27 club season.…

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Most of the Bok captaincy options are older (and starters). Could Esterhuizen, as a hybrid and Bomb Squad regular, develop into the team's "finishing captain" at the 2027 RWC? Plus a closer look at the intriguing back-row and backline combos for the showdown in Perth rugby365.com/countries/so...

rugby365.com

Team Talk: The 'Giant' Esterhuizen call will boost Boks in long term

OPINION: Rassie Erasmus' decision to hand André Esterhuizen the captaincy for the one-off against Australia will benefit the Springboks at the 2027 World Cup and beyond.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

The one-off between the Boks and the Wallabies may be more important than first thought... My latest for Rugby365 ahead of the clash in Perth next week. rugby365.com/countries/au...

rugby365.com

Boks must make the most of RWC showcase

OPINION: The Springboks as well as the Wallabies will have the opportunity to deliver a World Cup statement in Perth next Sunday.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Back on the Lekker Rugby Pod for a nuanced discussion about the Springboks' age profile and how they're tracking for the 2027 RWC. Come for the chart chat, stay for the Brannas tributes and Harry Jones' punt for the best "krappies" in Baltimore😅🦀 www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAgK...

youtube.com

Why The Springboks' Ageing Squad Isn't A Crisis | Jon Cardinelli

YouTube video by MEGAFOON RUGBY!

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

The Springboks have beaten the All Blacks in a landmark series and anything they win between now and the start of the 2027 World Cup should be viewed as a bonus. A look at the big picture a year out from Australia – and the player management challenge. www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Springboks’ 2026 season already a resounding success after RGR success — so what next?

The Springboks have beaten the All Blacks in a landmark series and anything they win between now and the start of the 2027 World Cup should be viewed as a bonus.…

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

After 2023, I did a projection of RWC winners' ages in 2027 – 27/35 will be 32 or older at the next tournament. Revisiting that now 🧐 Interesting to see who's been phased out, and after the statement win in RGR, which Bok veterans still have what it takes. Full analysis below

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Boks scored 43 points, 6 tries in record-breaking win v NZ last year. Boks scored 43 points, 6 tries v NZ in RGR decider on Sat. So much said about Bok approach in recent weeks, but Baltimore a timely reminder they can do it all – that's why they're No 1 rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

All-court Boks delivered timely statement in Baltimore

OPINION: The Greatest Rivalry series showed why the Springboks rather than the All Blacks are the most potent side on the planet.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

All Blacks never stopped fighting. Jordan terrorised Bok defence throughout series, Vaa'i another standout. ABs ran out of gas against a stacked Bok side in the 4th Test – but can hold their heads high. Rennie has done a fantastic job and they will be a force at the 2027 RWC

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Krappie MOM – fair call. Quick ruck ball, combative at the tackle, some outstanding breaks. KLA was special tonight. Picked a a great game to remind the world of what he can do on the counter. Etzebeth, PSDT, Wiese, Marx et al immense throughout series, and stood tall tonight

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 13/09/2026

Frantic finish, but the Boks truly deserved that win. On another night, they would have given the ABs 50+ – but a winning margin of 15 points is still a hiding as well as a statement to clinch the series 3-1.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

So many good things in 1st half. Counterattack by Willemse, Arendse outstanding, as was Wiese, Etzebeth, DDA carrying, and Hooker aerial contest. Poor conversion rate, though, with 2 scores from 6 22 entries.ABs made more of chances. Game management must be better in 2nd

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 12/09/2026

Griquas go back to back in the Currie Cup. Well deserved for Pieter Bergh and co. George Whitehead's 50:22 in the dying moments was outstanding, but was fitting that the forwards won the game via a rampant maul. Brilliant set-piece performance in the final.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

100 Tests of fortitude and what Rassie has built, and why that's relevant ahead of another "final" in Baltimore. Plus a brief look to the future. Inaugural RGR series has been epic, but won't get any easier for Rassie's side when they head to NZ in 2030... Link to analysis below

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Boks have "only" used 30 players in 4 RGR Tests (used 43 in Nations Champs). But game mins comparison makes for interesting reading. Rassie's managed key players while building cohesion. Will want some more luck this week, though, re injuries and the 6-2 split rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

Team Talk: Finishing XV in the spotlight for RGR decider

Damian Willemse's return will give the Springboks more backline options while the management of the pack in the second half could be series-defining.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Willemse straight in for Kolbe at 15, and a switch at 9, with the more experienced Reinach finishing the game in Baltimore. Very interesting to see who Rassie backs as the finishing XV in the last game of RGR... SFM (1st choice GK) may have to go to 15 and Willemse to 12.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 06/09/2026

Boks worked the problem and won the big moments. Veterans stood tall. but so did SFM, Hooker et al. Huge takeaways ahead of 2027 RWC: veterans still have it; young guns can deliver when stakes are highest My take after an epic "final" at the Calabash rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

Calabash triumph highlighted Boks' greatest strength

OPINION: The Springboks worked the problem and won the big moments in an epic clash at the FNB Stadium that had the feel of a World Cup Final, writes Jon Cardinelli.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Rassie Erasmus spoke about game minutes and fatigue earlier this week – so I did a little digging. Average mins over past 6 weeks (Test player focus): Boks: 100 ABs: 183 Players with 200+ mins: Boks: 2 ABs: 10 More in my analysis for @dailymaverick www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Boks prepare to peak as All Blacks face test of endurance

Coach Rassie Erasmus expects the Springboks to outlast a tiring All Blacks squad when the teams meet in the final two Tests of the Greatest Rivalry series. …

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Been a spicy few weeks, with the ABs accusing the Boks of illegal tactics. Going by Daan Human's recent comments, SA are taking the latest allegations personally. My @dailymaverick analysis on why the scrum battle is at the heart of the RGR culture war www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Scrum battle at the heart of Greatest Rivalry culture war

Rassie Erasmus and opposite number Dave Rennie have enjoyed a couple of fascinating tactical battles over the past two weeks, and all signs points to another epic contest at FNB Stadium in Johannesbur...

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Interesting to hear Rassie talk about player management today. Looked at who's had 3-4 games since returning from injury... they seem to be hitting their stride. The most battle-ready Boks have been in this series – are they primed to peak in RGR3 and 4? rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

Rassie hits selection sweet spot ahead of RGR3

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a closer look at Rassie Erasmus' squad management after Monday's team announcement for the third Test against the All Blacks.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 30/08/2026

The first two RGR Tests have served to highlight a few facts about the teams, and rugby’s world order. Rennie’s New Zealand have closed the gap between themselves and South Africa, but rumours of the Boks’ demise have been greatly exaggerated. My take: rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

Brutal Boks have clawed back the advantage

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli dissects the Springboks' performance in a brutal 33-26 win against the All Blacks in Cape Town.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

PSDT has been invaluable to the Boks, and injury setbacks have shaped his "there's no tomorrow" mindset. Have been fortunate to have a few chats with PSDT over the years, and by his own admission, it's his desire to do more that has set him apart. www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Why never-say-die Pieter-Steph embodies the spirit of Rassie’s Boks

Pieter-Steph du Toit has bounced back from several career-threatening setbacks to become the talisman of South Africa’s golden generation and one of the all-time greats.…

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

My wrap of the schools season that was, plus the final power rankings for 2026. A few of the top dogs have dropped down from last year, but the overall standard is higher than ever, and the top 20 is absolutely stacked with quality First XVs. rugby365.com/schools/news...

rugby365.com

Stellenberg, Monnas the biggest success stories of 2026

OPINION: Paarl Gimnasium deserve plaudits for an outstanding 2026 campaign but the rise of Stellenberg and others showed why schoolboy rugby in South Africa is more competitive than ever.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 25/08/2026

Brave effort by the Lions. Pressured All Blacks scrum in first 60, found a lot of space on edges. Ran out of gas at the death, as expected at this stage of season. Kriel, both Horns, Steyn the standouts. Tavatavanawai looked good for ABs, Ioane made a case for Test inclusion

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Reckon Rassie has got his selections right for RGR2, given how Ellis Park went, and what's at stake. That said, the loss in Joburg could impact the player-management plans down the line. All about levelling the series in Cape Town, but what next? rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

Defeat has forced Boks to sharpen their focus

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli believes Rassie Erasmus has been forced to shelve some big plans.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

Veteran halfbacks backed for the must-win clash in Cape Town. May have been a pre-series plan, but after what happened in RGR1, the execution/option-taking of Reinach and Pollard will be particularly important this Saturday. Interesting bench mix. Marx may have to go 80 again

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 23/08/2026

The Boks' performance against the All Blacks was one of the most disappointing and uncharacteristic displays of the Rassie Erasmus era. My analysis on the Boks' set-piece flex and 2nd half slump, the ABs' heroic defence, and what we can expect in RGR2 rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

Wasteful Boks must address second-half slump

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli breaks down the Springboks' brainless performance in a 16-33 defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

All Black defence was outstanding on the night. Big hits and breakdown interventions were contest-shaping. Deserved to win at Ellis Park tonight, and will go to Cape Town with the momentum.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

You could feel the air draining out of Ellis Park around the 53rd minute.... after the All Blacks won a scrum penalty after spending an eternity under siege. Bok scrum delivered and the hosts created enough chances through 22 entries, but handling and finishing very poor

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 22/08/2026

Brutal Bok scrummaging performance in 1st half, and maul making inroads... but hosts left 10 or more points on the park. Losing KLA early wasn't ideal, but ABs worse off after losing De Groot and Lord. Game very much in the balance... this is where Bomb Squad can be difference

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

De Allende joins an elite club this Saturday, but his legend status is already assured. Has won two RWCs, a Lions series, and 3 Rugby Championships. Kolbe, Pollard, Reinach, PSDT, Etzebeth the only other Boks who've featured across all 6 title-winning campaigns in this era.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

In appreciation of Damian de Allende, as he hits 100... one of Rassie's common denominators in an era defined by squad rotation. One of the most influential players of this golden generation. Will be a key figure in the RGR Tests. For @dailymaverick.co.za www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

How De Allende’s warrior spirit has fuelled Boks’ rise and ongoing success

Damian de Allende will become the 10th Springbok to play 100 Tests when he starts at No 12 against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday – and the stats show why he’s been Rassie Erasmus’ go-to man...

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

My take of the Boks and ABs teams selected for RGR1: – ABs putting all of their eggs in one basket – Boks have stronger bench geared for set-piece dominance in 2nd half, but could surprise with versatile approach in 1st – Esterhuizen wildcard could be SA's trump card rugby365.com/countries/so...

rugby365.com

Team Talk: Bomb Squad the key to first Kiwi scalp

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli takes a closer look at the Springboks' matchday squad for Saturday's Test against the All Blacks.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 20/08/2026

Esterhuizen on the bench in a 6-2/5-3 split... gives the Boks options in the second half. Plenty of power in that starting XV, but the attacking axis at 9 and 10 will make Boks doubly dangerous

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

Malcolm will be in the middle of the melee this Saturday – and his power, timing and leadership could make all the difference. Such an influential player, and interesting to note how Rassie has managed MM in recent seasons www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

Malcolm in the middle: How Marx could swing key battles in SA’s favour

Malcolm Marx, 2025 World Rugby Player of the Year, will have a game-shaping role to play at the set pieces and breakdowns when the Springboks tackle the All Blacks in the first Test at Ellis Park on S...

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

Boks are now an all-court team, and the narrative of the ambitious All Blacks contrasting the stifling South Africans is horribly outdated. That said, Boks can't afford to overplay at Ellis Park – must be bold, but on own terms. Big week ahead, as the RGR hype builds rugby365.com/countries/ne...

rugby365.com

Boks must rise above All Blacks' goading game

OPINION: Rugby365 columnist Jon Cardinelli dissects the narrative that the All Blacks and the New Zealand media have been trying to push ahead of the first Test against the Springboks.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 16/08/2026

Chatted to Kennedy Tsimba about the shape of the game – and how the Boks and All Blacks can control the chaos in RGR. 48% of tries are scored in transition – and leading teams are investing in that area and empowering players to think on their feet. www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2026...

dailymaverick.co.za

To control the chaos, the Boks must think on their feet

With 48% of all tries scored from turnovers, trend-setting teams such as the Springboks and Bulls are investing in transition strategies.…

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Jeandre Rudolph shining for a largely underwhelming Bulls.... has made some key turnovers on defence, and that break/pass in the buildup to the Jacobs try was excellent

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Bulls losing the gainline against ABs, scrum also taking a beating. Too many attack and kick errors, playing into ABs' hands. Taylor, Lomax et al have made a big difference to the ABs pack.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

South African rugby's age-group results in 2026: Junior Boks (world champions): W12, D1, L0 SA U18: W3, L0 SA U18 'A': W3, L0 SA U18 the only side to lose a match this year... in the post-Craven Week clash against SA U18 'A'! Bodes well for the Boks in years to come.

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Took a closer look at how the RGR Test referees have managed games involving the Boks. Results don't tell the full story; refs have rewarded SA dominance at scrums and mauls – Carley in particular. But Boks have earned this advantage, just as the great All Blacks side did in the 2010s⬇️

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 13/08/2026

Mo'unga recall always seemed likely in spite of NZR red tape. But late arrival prompts questions: Will RM be ready for the Boks? Can he gel in new combos/systems in the space of a week? Great news for the All Blacks, but they may come to regret not getting him involved sooner

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Jon Cardinelli @joncardinelli.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

All Blacks dominating in the final 30 mins of both RGR tour matches to date: v Stormers: 24-14 v Sharks: 33-0

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