Smoke and mirrors fill the vacuum as Springboks and All Blacks brace for battle
The Springboks and All Blacks are preparing for a high-stakes four-Test rugby series in Johannesburg. Coaches Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie have engaged in pre-match psychological sparring as both teams look to gain an edge.
Why it matters
The rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand is a major event in international rugby, drawing significant global attention to the sport's tactical and physical evolution.
South Africa’s Paul de Villiers and Grant Williams, and Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie of New Zealand (left to right). Composite: Guardian Pictures; Nations Championship/Getty Images; Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images/Getty Images South Africa’s Paul de Villiers and Grant Williams, and Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie of New Zealand (left to right). Composite: Guardian Pictures; Nations Championship/Getty Images; Steve Haag Sports/Gallo Images/Getty Images Rugby union Smoke and mirrors fill the vacuum as Springboks and All Blacks brace for battle South Africa welcome New Zealand for their Greatest Rivalry series with the suspicion that they plan on beating the tourists at their own game
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