New Zealand

'Doesn't Get Better Than SA vs NZ': Foote Backs Junior Boks

Junior Springbok head coach Kevin Foote has named a settled side for Saturday's U20 Rugby Championship decider against New Zealand at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha, declaring it the rivalry every young South African dreams of playing in.

Rugby Union · 5/7/2026

'Park Our Own Agendas': McKellar Backs Anzac Day Bledisloe in 2027

New Zealand Rugby has confirmed advanced talks with Rugby Australia to stage a historic Anzac Day Bledisloe Cup Test on April 25, 2027, with Waratahs coach Dan McKellar and Wallabies flanker Fraser McReight publicly backing the move.

Rugby Union · 5/7/2026

'It Is Happening': Steve Hansen Confronts the All Blacks Exodus

An exodus of New Zealand-based talent to Japan, France and the English Premiership has created a difficult opening hand for incoming All Blacks head coach Dave Rennie, with former coach Sir Steve Hansen urging the union to face up to a global market that is 'a reality'.

Rugby Union · 5/6/2026

'I Felt We'd Lost the Innovation': Daryl Gibson Backs Rennie to Restore the All Blacks' Identity

Former All Black and Crusaders coach Daryl Gibson tells DSPN that Dave Rennie inherits a New Zealand side that has spent two years copying other nations - and that getting back to All Blacks DNA, not chasing South African size, is the path back to the top of the game.

Rugby Union · 5/6/2026

'There Wasn't a Damn Thing Lucky About That': Knock-On Effect on Leinster's Doris Reawakening

The Knock-On Effect podcast credits Caelan Doris's match-turning try as the moment Leinster's captain rediscovered his New Zealand-tour ceiling, while Harry Byrne's three missed kicks reopened Leinster's out-half debate ahead of the Champions Cup final against Bordeaux.

Rugby Union · 5/6/2026

'A Power-Based Game': Jamie Salmon on Why the Top 14 Has Lapped World Rugby

Former All Black and England centre Jamie Salmon tells the DSPN podcast that the French Top 14's depth and TV money have left every rival club competition behind, and predicts a wave of New Zealand stars heading north after the 2027 Rugby World Cup.

Rugby Union · 5/5/2026

Riley Higgins Heads to Scotland: New Zealand Loses Another Young Star

Hurricanes midfielder Riley Higgins is heading to Scotland, prompting another debate about how New Zealand stops its young talent walking out the door.

Rugby Union · 4/25/2026

Damian McKenzie vs Ruben Love: All Blacks No.10 Race Heats Up

Damian McKenzie reasserted himself as New Zealand's most influential fly-half over the weekend, but the DSPN panel say the All Blacks No.10 jersey is wide open.

Rugby Union · 4/25/2026

Why the New Rugby World Cup 2027 Format Could Spit Out a New Zealand–South Africa Quarterfinal

Forever Sport ran a straight-ranking simulation of the new 2027 Rugby World Cup format. The result: a New Zealand–South Africa quarterfinal, France out before the final and an unseeded knockout that critics say defeats its own purpose.

Rugby Union · 4/24/2026

'It Wasn't a Tough Call': Huriwai Trades Wallaroos for NRLW Warriors

Six-Test Wallaroos halfback and Brumbies veteran Jasmin Huriwai has signed an NRLW deal with the New Zealand Warriors, choosing the code switch and a return to the country of her birth.

Rugby League · 4/24/2026