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All Blacks brewing something special

The All Blacks new coaching ticket has raised the stakes for this year’s Greatest Rugby Rivalry tour, writes MARK KEOHANE. Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane says the intrigue is not just about rankings or recent results, but the collective strength of a coaching group that signals intent and experience ahead of a full tour to South Africa. The appointment of Dave Rennie as head coach, backed by a globally seasoned support staff, has shifted the narrative from caution to anticipation. The All Blacks are no longer rebuilding; they are recalibrating for immediate impact. “What’s brewing is the quality of the All Blacks coaching group,” Keohane writes. MORE: Rennie’s All Blacks assistants revealed Rennie’s track record is complemented by assistants Mike Blair and Tana Umaga, while forwards coach Jason Ryan provides continuity from previous regimes. The key addition, however, is Neil Barnes, whose influence in New Zealand rugby has long been respected. Keohane believes Barnes completes the puzzle, adding the authority and experience that was missing. “This will change in the next 18 months because all the talk is that he is the glue that was missing.” UMAGA: Unbelievable to be back The Springboks remain world No 1, but this is not a warning as much as it is a promise of what lies ahead. A full All Blacks tour, underpinned by a hardened coaching group, ensures the rivalry will rise again. The biggest rugby story of the week was not in the URC, but in the All Blacks’ coaching box. FULL COLUMN Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images The post All Blacks brewing something special appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

3 hours ago

Eben set for Sharks return

The Sharks’ quest to reach the Vodacom URC playoffs will be boosted by the imminent return of Eben Etzebeth. The Springbok lock is closing in on the end of his 12-week suspension after being found guilty of eye-gouging Alex Mann during the Boks’ final Test of the 2025 season. Etzebeth has been sidelined ever since that 73-0 win and has missed 11 games for the Sharks, including fixtures in both the Investec Champions Cup and the URC. TEAM: Hooker back for Sharks, Bok ruled out Friday night’s clash against Cardiff at Kings Park will mark the final match of his suspension, leaving him free to return for next week’s Challenge Cup round-of-16 encounter against Connacht. It’s a timely boost for coach JP Pietersen as his side heads into a crucial stretch of the season. POLL: How many SA teams will make URC playoffs? Currently sitting 11th on the URC standings, the Sharks face an uphill battle to break into the top eight – likely needing to win their remaining five matches. A strong finish could prove vital ahead of Pietersen’s first full season in charge, with Champions Cup qualification still within reach. There is also an alternative route back into Europe’s premier competition: winning the Challenge Cup, which the Sharks did in the 2023-24 season. ALSO: JP sweats on Siya injury Etzebeth’s return can’t come soon enough. The Sharks are currently dealing with a growing injury list, with several Springboks unavailable, including Aphelele Fassi, Bongi Mbonambi, Grant Williams and Siya Kolisi. Photo: Steve Haag/Gallo Images The post Eben set for Sharks return appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.

3 hours ago