New Zealand’s tour of South Africa has been one of thrills and nerves, as two of rugby’s top teams have gone head-to-head. With just a year to go until the World Cup in Australia, might the series be a taste of what is to come in October 2027?
Both the Springboks and the All Blacks are expected to challenge for the Webb Ellis Cup, and will be widely backed in betting markets thanks to offers such as a Hollywood Bets promo code. However, Rassie Erasmus and South African rugby fans will have taken plenty away from their recent games against Dave Rennie’s side, giving them food for thought for the next year.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu can’t let pressure get to him
With Handré Pollard playing a limited role in the series against the All Blacks due to injury, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continued as the Boks’ playmaker. But the 24-year-old’s displays were a mixed bag, with him stripped five times in the first Test before then bouncing back in Cape Town and Johannesburg, although he did share the load with Manie Libbok.
Everyone knows how talented Feinberg-Mngomezulu can be, with him possessing the skill to torment defences while also being a capable goal-kicker, evidenced by his seven points in the third-Test win. But this has been far from a vintage performance throughout the series, one which has lacked the consistency that will be sorely needed against the top teams under the bright lights of the World Cup in a year’s time.
Young Boks could be difference-makers
With games coming at a relentless pace throughout a World Cup, squad depth gets tested, with coaches always looking for players who can make an impact off the bench, or for those who can fill a void left by injury. South Africa’s depth has been consistently lauded during their 2,500+ day reign as world champions, and a few more young talents could well be set to play a key role in Australia.
Although he made his debut in July 2025, Ethan Hooker was someone who caught the eye against the All Blacks. Brought into the fold after Kurt-Lee Arendse’s injury in the first Test, the winger dominated aerially and made several key carries in both the second and third Test.
And while Hooker might have been the standout young performer, Cameron Hanekom impressed with his cameos against an elite opponent. Both players could potentially turn the tide either from the bench or even from the first whistle come the World Cup.
South Africa and New Zealand are both worthy World Cup favourites
Most fans might have already believed that this could be a precursor to decide the favorite for the World Cup, but it’s safe to say that the Tests and the quality of rugby on show has confirmed South Africa and New Zealand’s status as the tournament’s biggest heavyweights. The Boks currently hold the edge among sportsbooks, but Rennie has put together a team which is capable of not just dismantling most sides in world rugby, but also one which can beat South Africa on any given day.
France will also consider themselves to be potential challengers to Southern Hemisphere supremacy, but South Africa will feel as though wins against New Zealand have laid down a marker. They are the team to beat, and depending on the draw, fans could well see a rematch against the All Blacks in just over 12 months’ time for the Webb Ellis Cup.
