- Ruben Love experienced a different level of pressure against the Springboks, raising questions about New Zealand's preparation for Test rugby
- Graham Henry believes the All Blacks must find better ways to prepare their players for the demands of facing South Africa
- New Zealand's recent tour defeat has left lessons to carry into the teams' next meetings
Source: Getty Images
Former New Zealand coach Graham Henry believes the intensity of playing South Africa exposed a gap between Super Rugby and international rugby. He shared the experience of All Blacks flyhalf Ruben Love during an interview with Martin Devlin on the DSPN podcast on 22 October 2026.
Henry said Love was struck by the pressure of facing the Springboks during the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. South Africa won the four-Test series 3-1 after losing the opening match in Johannesburg. The official All Blacks tour results confirm the series outcome.
Ruben Love's reaction to Springboks intensity
Henry recalled a conversation with the young flyhalf, who experienced a level of pressure he had not encountered before.
“I was talking to Ruben Love, for example. He said, ‘I’ve never experienced so much pressure playing rugby. Wow.’ He said it’s just a massive difference from playing Super Rugby or the Test matches he had played prior. The South African team is a very, very good side,” Henry said.
The former World Cup-winning coach also praised the Springboks' preparation, motivation and team culture.
“They are well coached and good people and hugely motivated; they’re the hope of their nation,” Henry said, adding that he had “only got total respect for them”.
Graham Henry questions Super Rugby preparation
Henry was also sceptical about Super Rugby Pacific’s role in preparing New Zealand players for the demands of Test rugby. When asked if the competition provided sufficient preparation for international matches, the former All Blacks coach replied: “No.”
He pointed to a change in the teams’ exposure to South African rugby. In the past, New Zealand sides regularly faced provincial opponents such as the Sharks and Lions, giving players a taste of the style and intensity they would encounter against South Africa.
However, Henry acknowledged that finding a solution was not straightforward. Asked by Martin Devlin how New Zealand could better prepare its players, he responded:
“That’s a hell of a good question.”
Lessons for the All Blacks ahead of 2027
Henry hopes the experience will benefit the squad when the teams meet again. New Zealand's challenge is to prepare players for the physical demands and pressure of facing the reigning world champions.
The 2026 tour offered the All Blacks valuable experience as they build towards the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia.
Source: Getty Images
All Blacks suffer another injury blow ahead of November Tests
Briefly News previously reported that the All Blacks face a growing injury crisis ahead of their November Northern Hemisphere tour, with Leroy Carter ruled out for the rest of the year after ankle surgery.
The latest setback adds to New Zealand’s selection concerns, with several key players unavailable and two more still being assessed.
Source: Briefly News
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