'That’s what the All Blacks don’t have': Ex-Bok coach highlights Dave Rennie's issue

Former Springboks head coach Heyneke Meyer believes that the gulf in depth between the two sides will be the difference in the Greatest Rivalry series.

According to the ex-coach the All Blacks don’t have the numbers in the forwards to match the Boks, while the game has changed to suit South Africa.

The eligibility rules in New Zealand have meant that a number of players head offshore when their international careers aren’t progressing, leading to a lot of departures in their late 20s.

“I think it’s very difficult for Dave Rennie to start [his All Blacks tenure] and to face the Springboks,” Meyer told the Behind the Ruck podcast.

“I think what the Springboks are doing right now is picking our best side, and this side is very experienced and four Test matches is going to be very tough, but we’ve got depth.

“And I think that’s what the All Blacks don’t have.

“I’ve got so much respect for the way they play, but they don’t have the depth because they only keep big guys [high profile players] in New Zealand and they’ve lost a lot of good guys.”

In 2026 New Zealand rugby farewelled a number of capped All Blacks including Blues pair Dalton Papalii and Hoskins Sotutu, two loose forwards at 28-years-old.

Stephen Perofeta and AJ Lam, who spent time in the All Blacks squad, are also due to depart. Other capped players announced to be leaving are Samipeni Finau (Japan), David Havili (Japan), Braydon Ennor (France), Dallas McLeod (England).

Former Bulls coach Meyer, who coached the Springboks from 2012-15 believed that the game has shifted away from how New Zealand typically play, with South Africa’s ‘bomb squad’ innovation part of driving that shift.

He believed that only France can match South Africa’s playing stocks in the forwards which is where Tests are being decided.

“On the day, the All Blacks can beat any team, but I think the way the game is going now you have to scrum well, you have to maul well. It’s a set-piece game,” he said.

“They [New Zealand] like a continuous game. The game has changed because you can bring in a whole new pack. So, we’re the only team in the world that’s got that depth in the forwards, maybe France.

“And if you don’t have a good set-piece, you’re in trouble. And we’ve got an unbelievable set-piece. So, it will be close, but at home, you have to back the Springboks.”