Former Springboks record cap holder Victor Matfield insists that the rejuvenated All Blacks attack will be given a stern examination when they visit South Africa next month.
Under new head coach Dave Rennie, New Zealand have been far more adventurous in 2026 so far and scored at least five tries in each of the three Nations Championship encounters.
The All Blacks have gone back to the type of game plan which they have become synonymous for over the years and it has paid dividends.
Springboks’ rush defence
However, Matfield has warned that they have not yet faced the type of aggressive defence that the Springboks will bring in their four Tests.
“The one thing they haven’t been able to consistently get right is to play against this rush defence and, again, they haven’t faced it so far this year, so it’s nicer going to the outside channels,” he said on the Rivals podcast.
“I actually showed a few clips on our show where Ireland’s wingers are hanging back, giving you opportunities, whereas for South Africa the guy will be up there, in their face, it will be a completely different picture they see when they attack against South Africa.
“It’s easy to go into the outside channels if guys are giving it to you.
“Against South Africa you either have to go over the top or the kicking game will need to come into play, so it will be a different picture when you have ball in hand.”
Despite Matfield’s scepticism over whether the All Blacks can repeat that style from the southern leg of the Nations Championship, he has been impressed by the team under new boss Rennie.
He also believes that the Springboks have continued to set the standards in the world game after also going through the mid-year series unbeaten.
“You’re only as good as your opposition and I think this South African team is at such a level that it’s very difficult for anyone to put them under pressure,” the former lock said.
“I think South Africa, France and New Zealand are just at a different level at the moment, I think they’re a step ahead of everyone else.”
Sir John Kirwan’s view
Matfield was joined on the show by All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan, who is “excited” by a team he reckons is nowhere near its potential.
“I don’t think this All Blacks team has hit its straps yet, I think we’ve seen pieces of it. The second half against Ireland was a fatigue thing, to play the style of rugby that we want to play you need to play it [consistently],” he said.
“You can do all the fitness work you want but actually translating that onto the field means you’ve got to play like that for 80 minutes. You’ve got to have the courage to run it from your 22 with three minutes to go.
“This All Blacks teams hasn’t hit its straps yet, so that’s what excites me.
“I don’t think either side has really been tested yet, I think we’ve had a little bit better preparation just because of France as France really put us under the pump.
“I just cannot wait, this is going to be absolutely epic.”