All Blacks press World Rugby on Boks scrum tactics ahead of 2nd Test
The All Blacks have raised concerns with World Rugby regarding the Springboks' scrum tactics following the first Test match. New Zealand hopes for stricter officiating in the upcoming second Test to ensure fair play.
Why it matters
Tactical disputes in professional sports often influence officiating standards and the strategic approach of teams in high-stakes matches.
New Zealand is hoping its grumbles to World Rugby about South Africa's scrummaging last weekend will give it more hope in the set-piece this weekend in the second test. The scrum was a potent penalty-earning weapon for the Springboks <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/23/blitzed-boks-in-meltdown-as-all-blacks-go-one-up-in-south-africa/">last Sunday at Ellis Park</a> until the 56th minute, when the All Blacks forced a defensive scrum penalty in front of their posts for South Africa wheeling. New Zealand quickly turned a <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/23/live-updates-all-blacks-v-springboks-first-test/">three-point lead</a> into 10 and went on to <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/23/massive-rennie-hails-famous-all-blacks-victory-over-boks/">win 33-16.</a> All Blacks coach <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/18/all-blacks-dave-rennie-laughs-off-boks-time-wasting-claims/">Dave Rennie</a> said overnight they brought up scrum issues with World Rugby and hopes they filter to Australian referee Angus Gardner for the match on Sunday at <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/03/big-cape-town-welcome-for-all-blacks-annoys-some-boks-fans/">Cape Town Stadium.</a> "The expectation is our scrum will be a lot better," Rennie said.
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