A retired All Black and Crusaders prop has hailed the Springboks as one of the greatest rugby teams to ever play the game—an assessment that few would dispute. It’s been almost a year since South Africa’s unforgettable victory under the lights of Stade de France, where they edged out the All Blacks 12-11 to claim back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles, a feat their New Zealand opponents had achieved three World Cups prior.
Since that historic night, Rassie Erasmus’s team has continued to dominate, underscored by their recent Rugby Championship victory. In that campaign, the Springboks defeated the All Blacks twice and decisively beat Argentina 48-7 in the final match to secure the title.
Springboks: The Team to Beat
Not long ago, the All Blacks were the most feared team in rugby, led by legends like Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Sonny Bill Williams, and Sam Whitelock. Today, however, it’s the Springboks who have taken the mantle, setting a new standard for excellence in the sport.
Retired All Black Wyatt Crockett, who earned 70 caps for New Zealand and was part of the 2015 World Cup-winning squad, believes Erasmus is leading one of the best teams in modern rugby.
“It’s been a challenging start, facing quality opposition. This Springboks team is one of the great teams of the modern era, I believe,” Crockett told Ian Smith on SENZ Radio’s Mornings.
“They’ve won a couple of World Cups, and they have incredible depth in every position—their B team is almost as strong as their A team. The All Blacks are up against some truly quality opposition. I’m excited to see how they grow towards the end of the year and the lessons they learn moving forward.”
What’s Next for the All Blacks?
For decades, the All Blacks held an almost unshakable grip on the world of rugby, but recent years have brought unprecedented challenges. With the retirement of key players and the rotation of coaching staff, the team has faced a period of transition. However, Crockett believes that they are now in capable hands with new head coach Scott “Razor” Robertson.
“Razor is an incredibly sharp and focused coach—you won’t find anyone more dedicated than him. There’s no doubt that the All Blacks will learn valuable lessons and apply them during the end-of-year tour and beyond,” Crockett added.
“It’s been a tough start, but the key will be in how they adapt, grow, and evolve from these experiences.”
