Overview
- New Zealand completed three unbeaten warm-up matches in South Africa, outscoring provincial opponents 142-40 and beating the Bulls 50-19 at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, giving the All Blacks clear tour momentum.
- Coach Dave Rennie warned the Test level will be far tougher and said the team must 'up the ante', with wholesale changes expected for the first Test and Richie Mo'unga confirmed to be left out of the 22‑August side.
- The Springboks head into the series with most key players fit after recent returns from injury, but captain Siya Kolisi is being monitored for a hamstring problem that could affect leadership and selection.
- Bulls coach Johan Ackermann and All Blacks staff both flagged a tactical contrast, saying New Zealand’s risky, high-tempo play may be punished by South Africa’s physical set-piece and kicking game at altitude.
- Both unions are finalising matchday 23s ahead of the Ellis Park opener on 22 August, with coaches using the compressed four‑week schedule to manage workloads and gather evidence for 2027 World Cup planning.