As the All Blacks brace for a grueling four-match series against the Springboks, concerns over their scrum capabilities are surfacing, with particular worries about the depth at loosehead prop. Jeff Wilson, a former All Blacks wing, didn't mince words about the potential vulnerability New Zealand faces in this key area, especially with the absence of Tamaiti Williams, who's battling a serious spinal infection.
Wilson highlighted the issue on Sky Sports' The Breakdown, saying,
"It's interesting how there was no love for loosehead prop there, and I’m the one who put loosehead prop in that poll because we are playing the Springboks four times in four weeks."
He cast doubt on the likelihood of seeing Williams play in 2026, expressing hope for his recovery and return to form.With Williams sidelined, the All Blacks' options are limited. "We’ve only got Ethan de Groot, who has played 40 Test matches for the All Blacks," Wilson noted. "Outside of him, we’ve got George Bower, who has played 24 Test matches, and Ollie Norris has played three. There is no experience or depth in this position."
Contrastingly, the Springboks are in an enviable position with a formidable lineup that includes Ox Nché, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Boan Venter, not to mention the versatile Thomas du Toit. On the tighthead front, Wilco Louw and Du Toit have been leading the charge, with Frans Malherbe expected to return from injury, adding more strength to Rassie Erasmus’ squad.
The looming question of veteran prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi's future also adds to the All Blacks' challenges. Wilson speculated,
"Are you going to go back to Ofa Tu’ungafasi? Highly unlikely given he probably won’t be around next year."
As for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, the All Blacks will face a demanding schedule with games across South Africa and one in the United States, promising a thrilling set of contests that will test their resolve and strategy at every turn.
Match dates include clashes at Cape Town Stadium, Kings Park, Loftus Versfeld, Ellis Park, and FNB Stadium, culminating in a face-off at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.