Overview
- New Zealand beat South Africa 24-17 at Eden Park to stay top of the rankings, with Ireland moving up to second and the Springboks slipping to third.
- Rassie Erasmus made seven changes for the rematch and restored Siya Kolisi as captain, dropping veterans Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard and Jesse Kriel from the starting side.
- Hooker Malcolm Marx accepted responsibility for a misfiring lineout that operated at about 78 percent, as the All Blacks foiled the Boks’ midfield lineout drive with preparation Tupou Vaa’i said left them “well primed.”
- Richie McCaw has joined the All Blacks in Wellington to lift standards, while Emoni Narawa (ribs) and Codie Taylor (concussion) are out and Caleb Clarke has been added, with New Zealand to name their team on Thursday.
- Quinn Tupaea, who scored a decisive try off the bench at Eden Park, re-signed with the Chiefs through 2027 as the All Blacks seek to secure the Freedom Cup in Wellington.