The world champion Springboks can expect a real challenge from Scott Robertson’s New Zealand during September’s blockbuster Tests in Auckland and Wellington, writes MARK KEOHANE.

Writing for TimesLIVE, Keohane warns that the All Blacks have rediscovered their edge after a disappointing 2024 campaign. He points to Super Rugby Pacific 2025 as evidence, describing the competition’s quality as “the real deal” with impressive individual and team performances.

He highlights the Blues’ thrilling 20-19 quarter-final victory over the Chiefs in Hamilton as Test-match quality rugby, and emphasises that if Robertson selects on form without bias, the All Blacks will regain their traditional swagger.

Keohane describes the Boks-All Blacks clashes in the Land of the Long White Cloud on 6 and 13 September as rugby’s greatest rivalry renewed, serving as an appetiser for when New Zealand tours the Republic next year.

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“September is going to be Super. The Springboks in New Zealand, versus the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland and the following weekend in Wellington,” he writes.

“The world’s best against each other and the opportunity for the greatest Springboks of the modern era to write one more chapter to a book filled with legacy. But be warned: The Kiwis are back.

“This is not the soft touch that got rolled by Argentina in Australia and in Wellington a year ago. There will be an aura about the men in black again – the way it should always be.”

Keohane also highlights how South Africans continue excelling globally, with Johann van Graan’s Bath reaching the Premiership final after winning the EPCR Challenge Cup, while 13 players featured in various Team of the Season selections across major competitions.

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