Former Springbok lock Victor Matfield says the All Blacks backline for the 2025 Rugby Championship “doesn’t scare you like it used to”.

Chiefs loose forward Simon Parker is the only uncapped player in New Zealand’s 32-man squad for the tournament opener against Argentina in Córdoba on 16 August. Three more uncapped players – prop Tevita Mafileo, scrumhalf Kyle Preston and utility back Leroy Carter – have been called up as injury cover.

The All Blacks will be without prop Tyrel Lomax, loose forward Luke Jacobson, scrumhalves Cam Roigard and Noah Hotham and winger Caleb Clarke, who are all sidelined through injury.

Coach Scott Robertson’s men face the world champion Springboks twice in New Zealand – at Eden Park on 6 September and in Wellington a week later.

MORE: Razor’s new blood for Rugby Champs

Matfield believes the All Blacks have strengthened their forward pack but says their backline no longer strikes fear into opponents.

“I like what the All Blacks are doing with their tight five,” Matfield said on the Rivals podcast. “There’s a lot of experience there, but also good young players coming through who can make an impact. Scott Barrett coming back is massive – he was outstanding last year and will be a big plus for them.

“But when I look at the backline, it’s not the All Blacks of old. In the past, you’d look at their backs and think, ‘How are we going to keep them under control?’ Now it’s pretty much the same faces we’ve seen for a few years. It’s still a good backline, but it doesn’t scare you like it used to.

“That said, if Will Jordan is at 15, they look different. He has such a big influence from fullback and changes the whole dynamic.

“These days, all the top teams have a 12 who can get you over the advantage line,” Matfield added. “You don’t really see a second playmaker at 12 anymore – you need someone who can bash it up and get you front-foot ball.

“So, I think the All Blacks are strong up front and solid in the backs, but South Africa’s pace out wide could be a big factor. I can’t wait for that Eden Park Test – it’s going to be a massive clash.”

CHEIKA: Bok Tests huge for All Blacks

Former All Blacks wing John Kirwan agreed with Matfield’s take on the Boks.

“The thing that probably concerns me the most about the South Africans is the pace they’ve got out wide. I love pace, and they’ve got genuine speed there.

“We’ve tended to go for big wingers like Rieko Ioane and Caleb Clarke, but I like that Leroy Carter is in the squad because if you can free up pace, it’s a game-changer,” he added.

Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images