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Rennie reveals Erasmus blocked pre-match referee meeting ahead of Springboks clash
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has confirmed there will be no pre-match meeting with officials before the Test against South Africa, after Rassie Erasmus declined the joint invitation under new World Rugby protocols.
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Lisa Neumann weighs London life against Wales return as club future stays unresolved
Wales wing Lisa Neumann says she has yet to sign with a new club following her Harlequins departure, with quality-of-life considerations shaping her decision as much as finances. A return to Wales remains possible but complicated by her established life in London.
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All Blacks veterans warn rising star Lakai what Ellis Park has in store
Peter Lakai, 23, is in line for his first Test against the Springboks on Saturday in Johannesburg, with All Blacks centurions telling the 10-cap flanker that Ellis Park ranks among the toughest venues they have ever played.
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Springboks assistant Jones flags All Blacks' illegal breakdown and maul acts ahead of first Test
Springboks assistant coach Felix Jones has publicly called out two specific All Blacks infringements — tucked shoulders at the breakdown and leg-pulling at the maul — after gathering feedback from South African franchises who faced New Zealand in the Greatest Rivalry series.
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Michael Cheika set to return to NSW Waratahs 11 years after Super Rugby title
Michael Cheika is poised to rejoin the NSW Waratahs as head coach, ending his pursuit of an NRL role after a season as an assistant at the Sydney Roosters. The 59-year-old led the Waratahs to the 2014 Super Rugby title during his first stint at the club.
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Umaga warns All Blacks: don't let Springboks' giant pack blind you to backline danger
All Blacks defence coach Tana Umaga has cautioned his side against fixating on South Africa's powerful forward pack ahead of a historic four-game series, warning that the Springboks' increasingly dangerous backline will punish any lapse in concentration.
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Matfield spots All Blacks vulnerability ahead of first Springboks Test at Ellis Park
Former Springboks captain Victor Matfield believes New Zealand showed a defensive weakness in their 50-19 warm-up win over the Bulls, warning that South Africa's physicality could expose them in Saturday's first Test in Johannesburg.
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PNG Chiefs target Joey Manu with tax-free deal as Racing 92 contract nears its end
The PNG Chiefs expansion franchise is pursuing Racing 92 centre Joey Manu ahead of his contract expiry, with GM of Football Michael Chammas confirming the two-time NRL Grand Final winner visited Port Moresby with his family and that tax-free salaries are a key selling point.
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Erasmus urges Ellis Park crowd to stay silent during Haka ahead of Springboks-All Blacks series opener
Rassie Erasmus has called on Springbok supporters at Ellis Park to respect the All Blacks' Haka in silence before Saturday's first Test in Johannesburg, citing the Cape Town crowd's reception during New Zealand's tour match against the Stormers as the ideal example.
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Leone Nakarawa ends decade in France to join Fijian Drua at 38
Fiji lock Leone Nakarawa has signed with the Fijian Drua for the upcoming Super Rugby Pacific season, ending a ten-year stint in French club rugby that included spells at Racing 92, Toulon, and Castres.
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Lefau-Fakaosilea returns to Wallaroos after seven years for centenary Black Ferns Test
Alysia Lefau-Fakaosilea is back in the Wallaroos squad for Saturday's centenary Test against the Black Ferns in Auckland, seven years after her last XV-a-side cap. The 25-year-old centre won gold at the Rugby Sevens World Cup and Commonwealth Games in the interim.
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Erasmus upgrades Kolisi and Nche to 'niggles' ahead of All Blacks series opener
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has offered an encouraging injury update on captain Siya Kolisi and loosehead prop Ox Nche, describing both as carrying 'niggles' rather than injuries as South Africa prepare for the first of a four-Test series against New Zealand.
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Suaalii, Ikitau and Jorgensen near fitness as Kiss names Argentina squad
Australia's two-Test tour of Argentina, beginning in San Salvador on August 29, is set to be bolstered by the likely returns of Joseph-Aukuso Suaalii, Len Ikitau and Max Jorgensen from injury, with head coach Les Kiss expected to name his squad on Wednesday.
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Leone Nakarawa returns to Fiji to join Drua for 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season
Three-time Rugby World Cup player Leone Nakarawa is heading home to Fiji to play for the Fijian Drua in the 2027 Super Rugby Pacific season. The 38-year-old lock, capped 68 times, was named in the 2015 World Cup team of the tournament.
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Hansen drafts in Bayle and Love as injuries disrupt Black Ferns ahead of Wallaroos clash
Black Ferns head coach Whitney Hansen has called up halfback Ariana Bayle and prop Pip Love after Tara Turner and Mo'omo'oga Palu were ruled out of Saturday's Test against Australia at Mt Smart Stadium with hamstring and concussion injuries respectively.
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Moorby expects Springboks to mix set-piece power with wide threats in first Test
All Blacks winger Josh Moorby has outlined New Zealand's expectations of South Africa ahead of Saturday's first Test at Ellis Park, anticipating a blend of Springbok physicality and ball-in-hand danger rather than a purely attritional game.
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Erasmus and Peyper push back on Springboks' slow-game accusations ahead of All Blacks series
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus and technical consultant Jaco Peyper have defended South Africa's tempo of play, insisting they have received zero negative referee feedback about slowing the game in 2026 and pointing to the 30-second set-piece law as their guide.
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Rennie backs All Blacks scrum to match Springboks' set-piece power in Ellis Park Test
All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie has expressed confidence in his forwards ahead of the first Test against South Africa at Ellis Park, insisting New Zealand's scrum and discipline will be equal to the Springboks' renowned set-piece threat.
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Tuipulotu rejects All Blacks underdog label ahead of four-Test Springboks series
Lock Patrick Tuipulotu has pushed back on suggestions New Zealand enter the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series as underdogs, insisting both teams arrive in South Africa as equals fighting for the world's top ranking.
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All Blacks forwards coach admits Springboks own the world's best scrum ahead of first Test
Jason Ryan has candidly acknowledged that the Springboks possess the best scrum in the world, while insisting the All Blacks have made meaningful progress at set-piece ahead of their first Test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
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