DSPN - RUGBY

We are on the ground in Johannesburg with The Times rugby writer Alex Lowe to unpack the massive team announcements ahead of test one at Ellis Park. Dave Rennie hits back at claims about All Black discipline, Rassie Erasmus launches his latest round of mind games, and we look at why the Springboks have newfound respect for the Haka.

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The All Blacks have named their side for the opening test against the Springboks at Ellis Park.

Jamie Wall is joined by Ant Strachan to break down the biggest selection calls, including Josh Lord at lock, Josh Moorby on the wing and Luke Jacobson at openside. They examine the Roigard-Love combination, Ardie Savea’s return as captain, the notable omissions and whether this bench can finish the job.

Can the All Blacks’ revitalised attack survive the Springboks’ pressure, altitude and a hostile Ellis Park crowd?

DSPN’s Greatest Rivalry Tour coverage is brought to you by HBO Max. All Killer. No Filler.

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All Black legend Sean Fitzpatrick catches up with media in South Africa to reflect on 30 years since the historic 1996 tour win. Sean shares his thoughts on the current All Blacks squad under Dave Rennie, the brutal reality of playing at altitude, and why winning the first test at Ellis Park sets the tone for the whole series.

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World Cup Winning All Black Coach Sir Steve Hansen joins us ahead of the All Blacks' tour opener against the Springboks at Ellis Park. Steve breaks down why South Africa have earned their world number one ranking, how Dave Rennie is building genuine squad depth, and what it takes mentally to win in Johannesburg.

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Jamie Wall checks in from Johannesburg as the All Blacks build toward their massive opening test against the Springboks. Assistant coach Tana Umaga fronts the media at training, giving a crucial update on Damian McKenzie’s fitness and addressing how our defensive pattern holds up against the world champions.

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The moment we've all been waiting for is finally here. Martin Devlin, Mark Watson, and John Day sit down for the ultimate test preview ahead of the All Blacks facing the Springboks at Ellis Park. The panel debates whether three URC matches were adequate preparation, breaks down Rassie Erasmus's mind games, and analyzes the referees. Plus, Mark delivers a passionate reminder of New Zealand's dominant rugby history.

IMAGE CREDIT:

New Zealand celebrate a try to ?Quinn Tupaea during the All Blacks v South Africa, Lipovitan-D Rugby Championship Test, New Zealand, Saturday, 06 September 2025. (Photo by Aaron Gillions / action press)

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UK rugby journalist Chris Jones joins Marty to deliver an independent audit on the All Blacks and Springboks ahead of the first test. We break down Rassie Erasmus delaying his team naming, query whether four injury-plagued All Black stars are fit for the Highveld, and ask if three URC matches are enough preparation to survive Ellis Park.

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Live from Johannesburg, Jamie Wall and Brenden Nel unpack a fiery Monday as Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie exchange early verbal shots. Rassie explains his perspective on World Rugby's refereeing protocols. Dave Rennie responds to claims about slowing down the game, setting the stage for an intense opening test at Ellis Park.

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Martin Devlin and Tony Johnson sit down to select their All Blacks Test 23 for the tour opener at Ellis Park. We break down the front row combination, evaluate key injuries to Damian McKenzie and Will Jordan, and debate the backline mix required to challenge the Springboks.

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All Blacks attack coach Mike Blair sits down on tour to review our midweek output and preview the Springboks series. Mike breaks down handling execution, combining Super Rugby attacking styles into one blueprint, and the standards required to unlock international defences.

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