The All Blacks are set to raise fresh concerns with World Rugby over the Springboks’ scrummaging following their 33-26 defeat in Cape Town.
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie had already contacted the governing body following the opening Test at Ellis Park, where South Africa dominated the set-piece despite eventually falling to a 33-16 defeat.
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Rennie claimed the Springboks were “walking around” at scrum-time rather than driving straight, and the issue became a major talking point heading into Saturday’s rematch.
Despite admitting the scrum contest improved in Cape Town, Rennie revealed New Zealand still have concerns and intend to provide further feedback.
ALL BLACKS TO RAISE ISSUE AGAIN
“The scrums were better tonight,” Rennie said, praising referee Angus Gardner for how he managed the set-piece.
However, the All Blacks boss added that South Africa’s movement remained “a bit of an issue” and confirmed there were technical points New Zealand would “share again”.
That prompted an explosive response from Rassie Erasmus.
Watch Ox Nche use the crown of his head drive Lomax to the side on the engage call.
Lomax is “re-aligned” inward so Nche has the leverage to bore in or wheel.
Lomax off kilter before the push, its never going to hold up.
Erasmus complaining about resets. How about stop the… https://t.co/igmjgLMxk7 pic.twitter.com/9RfuLBYdvI
— Ben Smith (@bensmithrugby) August 30, 2026
The Springboks boss strongly rejected suggestions his pack were deliberately moving around the scrum and accused New Zealand of attempting to create a narrative that could influence officials.
“We scrum straight. We’ve never been accused of walking around,” Erasmus said during a fiery post-match press conference.
Erasmus also pointed towards repeated collapses on New Zealand ball and questioned why the All Blacks were publicly highlighting the issue.
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SCRUM ROW SET TO CONTINUE
The controversy now looks certain to rumble into the third Test, with the four-match series finely poised at 1-1.
South Africa’s victory in Cape Town ensured everything remains to play for when the two rugby giants meet again in Johannesburg next weekend.
And with New Zealand preparing to provide World Rugby with more feedback, the battle at scrum-time could once again dominate the build-up.
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Four Springboks changes Rassie Erasmus MUST make for third All Blacks Test
With the series now finely poised, Erasmus has the opportunity to freshen things up again.
Here are four changes we think the Springboks boss should make.
#1. Jesse Kriel OUT – André Esterhuizen IN
Jesse Kriel couldn’t have asked for a better start in Cape Town, crossing for the opening try after just two minutes.
However, the experienced centre endured a much more difficult afternoon defensively.
Kriel missed several tackles as New Zealand repeatedly threatened the Springbok midfield, with a couple of those defensive errors contributing to All Blacks tries.
Erasmus has another hugely physical option waiting in the wings.
André Esterhuizen featured from the bench in Cape Town and could be unleashed from the start, potentially with Damian de Allende shifting across to outside centre.
That would give the Springboks an enormous midfield combination while adding another powerful carrier to their attack.
RUCK VERDICT: Esterhuizen deserves his opportunity. Start him at 12 and move De Allende to 13.
#2. Jasper Wiese OUT – Cameron Hanekom IN
This could be the biggest change Erasmus makes.
Jasper Wiese started shakily with another knock-on at the point of contact and struggled to make his usual impact with ball in hand.
New Zealand clearly identified the powerhouse number eight as one of South Africa’s biggest threats and regularly swarmed him before he could generate momentum.
That’s where the problem starts.
When Wiese isn’t making metres through contact, his lack of a natural ball-playing game can make the Springbok attack more predictable.
Cameron Hanekom offers something different.
The Bulls star replaced Wiese during the second half in Cape Town and possesses the pace, carrying ability and handling skills to cause New Zealand different problems.
RUCK VERDICT: Hanekom starts at number eight and gives the Springbok attack another dimension.