Jeff Wilson has expressed concern about the All Blacks’ scrum ahead of the blockbuster four-Test series against the Springboks later this year.
With the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series set to pit the two giants against each other in August and September, Wilson has raised serious doubts about New Zealand’s depth at loosehead prop – a potential pressure point the Boks are perfectly equipped to exploit.
“It’s interesting how there was no love for loosehead prop there, and I’m the one who put loosehead prop in that poll because we are playing the Springboks four times in four weeks,” the former All Blacks wing said on Sky Sports’ The Breakdown.
“I think it’s highly unlikely we’ll see Tamaiti Williams, given all the challenges he is going through, again in 2026 at the highest level. I hope he gets himself right and gets healthy, and we see the best of him.”
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With Williams sidelined due to a serious spinal infection, Wilson believes the All Blacks are dangerously thin in a position that will be relentlessly targeted by a Bok pack stacked with world-class options.
“We’ve only got Ethan de Groot, who has played 40 Test matches for the All Blacks,” he said.
“Outside of him, we’ve got George Bower, who has played 24 Test matches, and Ollie Norris has played three. There is no experience or depth in this position.”
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That lack of depth stands in stark contrast to South Africa’s embarrassment of riches in the front row.
With the likes of Ox Nché, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Boan Venter available at loosehead – and the versatility of Thomas du Toit – the Boks boast both depth and power on the left-hand side of the scrum.
On the tighthead, Wilco Louw and Du Toit have led the charge, with Frans Malherbe expected back from injury to further bolster Rassie Erasmus’ options.
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Wilson also cast doubt over the future availability of veteran prop Ofa Tu’ungafasi, who could provide cover on both sides but may not be in the mix.
“Are you going to go back to Ofa Tu’ungafasi? Highly unlikely given he probably won’t be around next year,” he said.
“We’ve got some challenges, and if you are exposed at scrum time at the highest level of Test match rugby, it’s going to be a difficult season for the All Blacks.
“For me, loosehead prop right now, a little bit of concern.”
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures
Friday, 7 August: vs Stormers, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday, 11 August: vs Sharks, Kings Park, Durban
Saturday, 15 August: vs Vodacom Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 22 August: vs Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 25 August: vs Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 29 August: vs Springboks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, 5 September: vs Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 12 September: vs Springboks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
The post Wilson: Boks to exploit ‘exposed’ All Blacks scrum appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Jeff Wilson has expressed concern about the All Blacks’ scrum ahead of the blockbuster four-Test series against the Springboks later this year.
The post Wilson: Boks to exploit ‘exposed’ All Blacks scrum appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
