Why the All Blacks Have a Springbok Problem

Why the All Blacks Have a Springbok Problem

Author: Fandom Media September 7, 2026 Duration: 51:59

The All Blacks showed they can hurt South Africa. So why do the Springboks still keep finding a way to take control?


After the Boks moved 2–1 ahead in the Greatest Rivalry series, James Parsons, Bryn Hall and Ross Karl break down the areas that keep swinging these contests South Africa’s way — and what New Zealand has to change.


There are genuine reasons for optimism in the way the All Blacks are playing. But there are also problems that will matter far beyond this series.


So, can they solve their Springbok problem before the World Cup?

Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial channels


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Tune in for the weekly conversation on the Aotearoa Rugby Pod, where hosts Ross Karl, Bryn Hall, and James Parsons break down the entire landscape of New Zealand rugby. This isn't just analysis from the sidelines; it's perspective shaped from within the game itself. Each episode delves into the latest from Super Rugby Pacific, tracks the All Blacks, and follows the domestic competitions like the Bunnings NPC, the Farah Palmer Cup, and Super Rugby Aupiki. The discussion goes beyond scores and highlights, offering a genuine feel for the sport's pulse because the hosts bring their own direct, professional experience to the table. It’s that blend of current knowledge and candid chat that defines this podcast. For anyone wanting to understand the nuances, the stories, and the personalities driving New Zealand rugby forward, this is the essential weekly listen. The Aotearoa Rugby Pod is presented by Sky TV New Zealand.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Aotearoa Rugby Pod
Podcast Episodes
Boks Watch: How South Africa Dictates Play—and How to Stop It [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 15:02
The Greatest Rivalry is almost here—but are the All Blacks genuinely ready to beat the Springboks in South Africa?Ross Karl, James Parsons and Bryn Hall compare the two sides after the July internationals and ask whether…
SHORT:  Picking the All Blacks’ XV for South Africa Just Got Brutal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:32
Picking the All Blacks’ match-day 23 for South Africa just got seriously difficult.In this excerpt from the podcast, the panel examines Tupou Vaa’i’s impact at blindside flanker, the fight for places in the loose forward…
The All Blacks Have Changed — Will It Work in South Africa? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:40
Unbeaten in the Nations Championship, the All Blacks and Springboks are now on a collision course for the Greatest Rivalry Tour.Aotearoa Rugby Pod unpacks the All Blacks’ impressive 40-21 victory over Ireland and the att…
REACTION: All Blacks team naming v Ireland on Youtube Live [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:02
Audio of ARP's Youtube Live after Dave Rennie's press conference for his team naming v Ireland.Please excuse the audio. We'll upgrade our home microphones soon.Catch all our content across @aotearoarugbypodofficial chann…
BOKS WATCH: Rusty But Their Depth Is Frightening [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 18:58
In our weekly Boks Watch segment, as we gear up for the Greatest Rivalry Tour:The Springboks were scratchy but the depth of talent coming through should worry the rest of world rugby..Did Scotland also uncover genuine fl…
Jordan vs Kolbe | Who Is Rugby’s Best Right Winger? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:11:01
Is Will Jordan already rugby’s greatest-ever right winger?With 50 tries from his first 56 tests, the All Blacks finisher is producing unprecedented numbers. We compare Jordan with New Zealand greats John Kirwan, Jeff Wil…
REACTION: All Blacks team naming Youtube Live [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:09
Listen to second of our weekly All Blacks team naming reaction Youtube Lives.This week it's Ross talking the All Blacks v Italy team, including the midfield switch-up and two debutants, as well as answering the questions…
BOKS WATCH: Is Willemse the world's best? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:44
With the Greatest Rivalry Tour coming in August, ARP brings you Boks watch, a regular segment dedicating to understanding the All Blacks' greatest foe!This week we talk where England went wrong, whether anyone is better…