DSPN -RUGBY

The DSPN mailbag is overflowing after the Springboks levelled the series in Cape Town.

Martin Devlin and Jamie Wall tackle your questions and comments on possible All Blacks changes, the high-ball battle, restarts, scrums and what must improve before the third test in Johannesburg.

Are the All Blacks genuinely closing the gap on the world champions, and who should start in the series-defining clash?

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The All Blacks have named their team for the series decider against the Springboks, and Murray Mexted joins Martin Devlin to break down the big selection calls.

Why has Asafo Aumua been handed the starting hooker jersey? Can the new-look pack match South Africa’s power at altitude? And is this All Blacks side good enough to make history in Johannesburg?

Mexted says the equation is simple: start well, win possession and stand up to the Springboks in their own backyard.

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South Africa has fired back to take the second test, throwing the greatest rivalry tour wide open. Andrew Mulligan, John Day, and Mark Watson break down where it went wrong for the All Blacks, from early defensive lapses to set-piece pressure. We discuss the selection tweaks needed for the decider, including Peter Lakai’s potential inclusion, and assess Rassie’s tactical response.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Cam Roigard during the All Blacks v South Africa second test match, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa, Saturday, 29 August 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

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The Springboks have come roaring back in Cape Town to level the series with a 33-26 victory. Tony Johnson and Nigel Yalden comb through a massive test match where South Africa took their chances and managed the key passages under intense pressure. Nigel break sdown the set-piece battles, crucial discipline errors, and why the All Blacks remain right in the fight heading into Soweto.

IMAGE CREDIT:

All Blacks Leroy Carter scores a try during the All Blacks v South Africa second test match, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa, Saturday, 29 August 2026. (Photo by John Cowpland / action press)

South Africa Siya Kolisi reacts after scoring a try during the All Blacks v South Africa second test match, Rugbys Greatest Rivalry, DHL Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa, Saturday, 29 August 2026. (Photo by Nic Bothma / action press)

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The series is level at 1-1 after the Springboks powered past the All Blacks in South Africa.

Martin Devlin is joined by former All Black Ant Strachan and NZ Herald rugby writer Gregor Paul to break down where the test was won and lost. Did the Boks dominate the breakdown? Was New Zealand’s kicking game good enough? And what changes should Dave Rennie make for the decider in Joburg?

Plus, All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan responds to the scrum controversy, while Rassie Erasmus fires back at New Zealand’s complaints.

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