All Blacks 'tracking in right direction' says disappointed Rennie
The All Blacks suffered a comprehensive 43-28 defeat to South Africa in Baltimore, marking a 3-1 series loss. Coach Dave Rennie acknowledged the team's shortcomings and the growing gap in performance between the two rugby sides.
Why it matters
The result reflects a significant shift in the competitive landscape of international rugby, highlighting the tactical evolution of the South African team.
<p>A Test in Baltimore that the All Blacks believed they could win to square the series against the Springboks has instead exposed a gulf between the two sides that appears to have grown over the past four weeks.</p> <p>“We were confident that if we got a few things right tonight we’d have a good chance of winning,” head coach Dave Rennie said after the <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/09/13/boks-finish-with-a-flourish-against-all-blacks-to-win-series-3-1/" target="_blank">43-28 defeat at M&T Bank Stadium</a>. “We fell short. It’s disappointing from that perspective.”</p> <p>That 33-16 defeat of South Africa in the <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/08/23/blitzed-boks-in-meltdown-as-all-blacks-go-one-up-in-south-africa/" target="_blank">first Test at Ellis Park</a> seems a long time ago now.
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