All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026

Love the last snippet from Rennie in the press conference regarding midweek comms with the refs.

"we are trying to inform the officials on how we want to play, whats important for us, what that looks like....we saw in the Italian test we were allowed to play while they had guys down on the field, which was pleasing"

Hook it in to my veins.

We have been sorely lacking in this department for a decade.

You dont need to rant and rave, just plant a few seeds and let the media do the rest.

A wry smile, a pregnant pause, and a week later Will Jordan is diving over in the corner while Malcolm Marx is writhing around on the floor holding his coconut like Meryl Streep.

What is Meryl doing with a coconut

The first test team is already picked and they worked backwards from that.

He goes on to say that the first test team was picked prior to the Irish test.

Obviously flexibility within that for changes due to injuries etc but their is a clear roadmap of workload sharing over the 3 midweek games and first test.

They all are not even going over to SA on the same flight as a squad, partly to avoid the Middle East fandango (travel was initially booked through Dubai but now amended to Singapore and Hong Kong), and also for workload management. 23 will stay behind in NZ with 7 staff and come over at a later date.

@tim said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

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Good odds on NZ.

@jet said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

The first test team is already picked and they worked backwards from that.

He goes on to say that the first test team was picked prior to the Irish test.

Obviously flexibility within that for changes due to injuries etc but their is a clear roadmap of workload sharing over the 3 midweek games and first test.

They all are not even going over to SA on the same flight as a squad, partly to avoid the Middle East fandango (travel was initially booked through Dubai but now amended to Singapore and Hong Kong), and also for workload management. 23 will stay behind in NZ with 7 staff and come over at a later date.

Surely the test team for the Irish test is what we’ll likely roll out for the first test in SA in that case…

@act-crusader I saw this morning that the Stormers URC squad will join the Currie Cup squad in preparation for the tour.

The Sharks has been struggling in the URC season and was demoted to the Challenge Cup (European B league). JP Petersen has took over as coach from Plumtree and look like on the right track. The Bulls played in the URC final and lost heavily to Leinster. They lost some players. The Stormers lost to Leinster in the semi final but they gave them a hard game and came very close beating them. They also have the like of Kolisi, Kolbey and Wilco Louw back. The Stormers will definitely give the All Blacks some opposition in the scrums and lineouts. My predicted Stormers team is

Gelant*, Senatla, Nel, Muller, Zas, Ahmed, Kahn, *Roos,* Fourie, Dayimani, Shickerlingh, Smit, *Neethling Fouche, *AH Venter, *Mchunu.

Bench
Sandi, JJ Kotze, Matongo, Theunissen, Connor Evans, Oehlsich, Terreblance, Simelani

• Springboks

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Can anyone find those Blackadder stats that show his improvement this year?

If someone can point to his best game I'll put TSF Stat Bot on it.

Ethan Blackadder's standout game of the 2026 season was the Crusaders' 36–20 victory over the Blues on 8 May 2026.Having missed a stretch of games earlier in the autumn due to a calf strain, this round marked his highly anticipated return to the starting lineup at blindside flanker.Why This Was His Best Performance

The "BIGGA" Engine: Blackadder recorded his highest "repeat-effort" metrics of the year during this match. Analysts noted his incredible capacity to make a tackle, immediately bounce back to his feet, and contest the subsequent breakdown.

Defensive Masterclass: He spearheaded the Crusaders' defensive line against a heavy Blues pack, completing a game-high 24 tackles without missing a single attempt.

Attacking Impact: He secured one of his 2 season try assists during this match, providing a crucial offload in heavy traffic to unlock the Blues' midfield.

Ethan Blackadder had a strong, industrious 80-minute performance at blindside flanker as the Crusaders beat the Blues 36–20.

• 9 carries for 25 net metres, including 19 post-contact metres

• Crossed the gain line 6 times, beat 2 defenders and recorded 3 dominant carries

• Made 13 tackles, missing only 1: 93% success with 2 dominant tackles

• Team-leading 34 ruck arrivals, including a match-high 30 attacking arrivals

• Recorded 9 ruck wins, one own-ball lineout win and one lineout steal

• Conceded no penalties, turnovers or handling errors

• Played the full 80 minutes without scoring or receiving a card

His biggest contribution was his work around the breakdown. He led every Crusaders player in total and attacking ruck arrivals, providing consistent support and helping the side retain 99% of its attacking rucks. Defensively, he was among their leading tacklers and stayed disciplined throughout.

Blackadder wasn’t the Crusaders’ most explosive carrier, but he was effective: six gain-line successes from nine runs, good post-contact output, and no wasted possessions. He also stayed on through the difficult closing period after the Crusaders received red and yellow cards.

Overall, it was a high-work-rate, low-error flanker’s performance. He did much of the connective work that helped the Crusaders overturn a 13–12 halftime deficit and dominate the second half 24–7

@tsf-stat-bot said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Can anyone find those Blackadder stats that show his improvement this year?

If someone can point to his best game I'll put TSF Stat Bot on it.

Ethan Blackadder's standout game of the 2026 season was the Crusaders' 36–20 victory over the Blues on 8 May 2026.Having missed a stretch of games earlier in the autumn due to a calf strain, this round marked his highly anticipated return to the starting lineup at blindside flanker.Why This Was His Best Performance

The "BIGGA" Engine: Blackadder recorded his highest "repeat-effort" metrics of the year during this match. Analysts noted his incredible capacity to make a tackle, immediately bounce back to his feet, and contest the subsequent breakdown.

Defensive Masterclass: He spearheaded the Crusaders' defensive line against a heavy Blues pack, completing a game-high 24 tackles without missing a single attempt.

Attacking Impact: He secured one of his 2 season try assists during this match, providing a crucial offload in heavy traffic to unlock the Blues' midfield.

Ethan Blackadder had a strong, industrious 80-minute performance at blindside flanker as the Crusaders beat the Blues 36–20.

• 9 carries for 25 net metres, including 19 post-contact metres

• Crossed the gain line 6 times, beat 2 defenders and recorded 3 dominant carries

• Made 13 tackles, missing only 1: 93% success with 2 dominant tackles

• Team-leading 34 ruck arrivals, including a match-high 30 attacking arrivals

• Recorded 9 ruck wins, one own-ball lineout win and one lineout steal

• Conceded no penalties, turnovers or handling errors

• Played the full 80 minutes without scoring or receiving a card

His biggest contribution was his work around the breakdown. He led every Crusaders player in total and attacking ruck arrivals, providing consistent support and helping the side retain 99% of its attacking rucks. Defensively, he was among their leading tacklers and stayed disciplined throughout.

Blackadder wasn’t the Crusaders’ most explosive carrier, but he was effective: six gain-line successes from nine runs, good post-contact output, and no wasted possessions. He also stayed on through the difficult closing period after the Crusaders received red and yellow cards.

Overall, it was a high-work-rate, low-error flanker’s performance. He did much of the connective work that helped the Crusaders overturn a 13–12 halftime deficit and dominate the second half 24–7

So did he make 13 tackles or 24?

@oompb good stuff.

@mr-fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@tsf-stat-bot said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Can anyone find those Blackadder stats that show his improvement this year?

If someone can point to his best game I'll put TSF Stat Bot on it.

Ethan Blackadder's standout game of the 2026 season was the Crusaders' 36–20 victory over the Blues on 8 May 2026.Having missed a stretch of games earlier in the autumn due to a calf strain, this round marked his highly anticipated return to the starting lineup at blindside flanker.Why This Was His Best Performance

The "BIGGA" Engine: Blackadder recorded his highest "repeat-effort" metrics of the year during this match. Analysts noted his incredible capacity to make a tackle, immediately bounce back to his feet, and contest the subsequent breakdown.

Defensive Masterclass: He spearheaded the Crusaders' defensive line against a heavy Blues pack, completing a game-high 24 tackles without missing a single attempt.

Attacking Impact: He secured one of his 2 season try assists during this match, providing a crucial offload in heavy traffic to unlock the Blues' midfield.

Ethan Blackadder had a strong, industrious 80-minute performance at blindside flanker as the Crusaders beat the Blues 36–20.

• 9 carries for 25 net metres, including 19 post-contact metres

• Crossed the gain line 6 times, beat 2 defenders and recorded 3 dominant carries

• Made 13 tackles, missing only 1: 93% success with 2 dominant tackles

• Team-leading 34 ruck arrivals, including a match-high 30 attacking arrivals

• Recorded 9 ruck wins, one own-ball lineout win and one lineout steal

• Conceded no penalties, turnovers or handling errors

• Played the full 80 minutes without scoring or receiving a card

His biggest contribution was his work around the breakdown. He led every Crusaders player in total and attacking ruck arrivals, providing consistent support and helping the side retain 99% of its attacking rucks. Defensively, he was among their leading tacklers and stayed disciplined throughout.

Blackadder wasn’t the Crusaders’ most explosive carrier, but he was effective: six gain-line successes from nine runs, good post-contact output, and no wasted possessions. He also stayed on through the difficult closing period after the Crusaders received red and yellow cards.

Overall, it was a high-work-rate, low-error flanker’s performance. He did much of the connective work that helped the Crusaders overturn a 13–12 halftime deficit and dominate the second half 24–7

So did he make 13 tackles or 24?

You doubt the mighty TSF Stat Bot?

@oompb said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@act-crusader I saw this morning that the Stormers URC squad will join the Currie Cup squad in preparation for the tour.

The Sharks has been struggling in the URC season and was demoted to the Challenge Cup (European B league). JP Petersen has took over as coach from Plumtree and look like on the right track. The Bulls played in the URC final and lost heavily to Leinster. They lost some players. The Stormers lost to Leinster in the semi final but they gave them a hard game and came very close beating them. They also have the like of Kolisi, Kolbey and Wilco Louw back. The Stormers will definitely give the All Blacks some opposition in the scrums and lineouts. My predicted Stormers team is

Gelant*, Senatla, Nel, Muller, Zas, Ahmed, Kahn, *Roos,* Fourie, Dayimani, Shickerlingh, Smit, *Neethling Fouche, *AH Venter, *Mchunu.

Bench
Sandi, JJ Kotze, Matongo, Theunissen, Connor Evans, Oehlsich, Terreblance, Simelani

• Springboks

Mchunu called up by Rassie. Was surprise he has been left out in the first place. Oli Kebble or Oliver Read will probable play in his place at the Stormers.

Any whispers as to who's on the standby list?

@pakman haven't had the call yet, but phone is on loud.

Good squad and lets support the boyz...stop this who coulda,woulda,shoulda. Lezz go All Blacks...jeez how many sleeps till kick off??

@young-hamiltons said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Good squad and lets support the boyz...stop this who coulda,woulda,shoulda. Lezz go All Blacks...jeez how many sleeps till kick off??

Two plusa roundaboutthree

@bones My nerves are shot.

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@pakman haven't had the call yet, but phone is on loud.

Rennie said the noes were the hardest.

@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@mr-fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@tsf-stat-bot said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Can anyone find those Blackadder stats that show his improvement this year?

If someone can point to his best game I'll put TSF Stat Bot on it.

Ethan Blackadder's standout game of the 2026 season was the Crusaders' 36–20 victory over the Blues on 8 May 2026.Having missed a stretch of games earlier in the autumn due to a calf strain, this round marked his highly anticipated return to the starting lineup at blindside flanker.Why This Was His Best Performance

The "BIGGA" Engine: Blackadder recorded his highest "repeat-effort" metrics of the year during this match. Analysts noted his incredible capacity to make a tackle, immediately bounce back to his feet, and contest the subsequent breakdown.

Defensive Masterclass: He spearheaded the Crusaders' defensive line against a heavy Blues pack, completing a game-high 24 tackles without missing a single attempt.

Attacking Impact: He secured one of his 2 season try assists during this match, providing a crucial offload in heavy traffic to unlock the Blues' midfield.

Ethan Blackadder had a strong, industrious 80-minute performance at blindside flanker as the Crusaders beat the Blues 36–20.

• 9 carries for 25 net metres, including 19 post-contact metres

• Crossed the gain line 6 times, beat 2 defenders and recorded 3 dominant carries

• Made 13 tackles, missing only 1: 93% success with 2 dominant tackles

• Team-leading 34 ruck arrivals, including a match-high 30 attacking arrivals

• Recorded 9 ruck wins, one own-ball lineout win and one lineout steal

• Conceded no penalties, turnovers or handling errors

• Played the full 80 minutes without scoring or receiving a card

His biggest contribution was his work around the breakdown. He led every Crusaders player in total and attacking ruck arrivals, providing consistent support and helping the side retain 99% of its attacking rucks. Defensively, he was among their leading tacklers and stayed disciplined throughout.

Blackadder wasn’t the Crusaders’ most explosive carrier, but he was effective: six gain-line successes from nine runs, good post-contact output, and no wasted possessions. He also stayed on through the difficult closing period after the Crusaders received red and yellow cards.

Overall, it was a high-work-rate, low-error flanker’s performance. He did much of the connective work that helped the Crusaders overturn a 13–12 halftime deficit and dominate the second half 24–7

So did he make 13 tackles or 24?

You doubt the mighty TSF Stat Bot?

View image

I definitely doubt the AI summary provided by @bones!

@mr-fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@mr-fish said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@tsf-stat-bot said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@kirwan said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

@bones said in All Blacks Tour of South Africa 2026:

Can anyone find those Blackadder stats that show his improvement this year?

If someone can point to his best game I'll put TSF Stat Bot on it.

Ethan Blackadder's standout game of the 2026 season was the Crusaders' 36–20 victory over the Blues on 8 May 2026.Having missed a stretch of games earlier in the autumn due to a calf strain, this round marked his highly anticipated return to the starting lineup at blindside flanker.Why This Was His Best Performance

The "BIGGA" Engine: Blackadder recorded his highest "repeat-effort" metrics of the year during this match. Analysts noted his incredible capacity to make a tackle, immediately bounce back to his feet, and contest the subsequent breakdown.

Defensive Masterclass: He spearheaded the Crusaders' defensive line against a heavy Blues pack, completing a game-high 24 tackles without missing a single attempt.

Attacking Impact: He secured one of his 2 season try assists during this match, providing a crucial offload in heavy traffic to unlock the Blues' midfield.

Ethan Blackadder had a strong, industrious 80-minute performance at blindside flanker as the Crusaders beat the Blues 36–20.

• 9 carries for 25 net metres, including 19 post-contact metres

• Crossed the gain line 6 times, beat 2 defenders and recorded 3 dominant carries

• Made 13 tackles, missing only 1: 93% success with 2 dominant tackles

• Team-leading 34 ruck arrivals, including a match-high 30 attacking arrivals

• Recorded 9 ruck wins, one own-ball lineout win and one lineout steal

• Conceded no penalties, turnovers or handling errors

• Played the full 80 minutes without scoring or receiving a card

His biggest contribution was his work around the breakdown. He led every Crusaders player in total and attacking ruck arrivals, providing consistent support and helping the side retain 99% of its attacking rucks. Defensively, he was among their leading tacklers and stayed disciplined throughout.

Blackadder wasn’t the Crusaders’ most explosive carrier, but he was effective: six gain-line successes from nine runs, good post-contact output, and no wasted possessions. He also stayed on through the difficult closing period after the Crusaders received red and yellow cards.

Overall, it was a high-work-rate, low-error flanker’s performance. He did much of the connective work that helped the Crusaders overturn a 13–12 halftime deficit and dominate the second half 24–7

So did he make 13 tackles or 24?

You doubt the mighty TSF Stat Bot?

View image

I definitely doubt the AI summary provided by @bones!

But was it AI?