Jamie Wall
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Articles by Jamie Wall
Rennie discusses All Black changes for Baltimore showdown
Richie Mo’unga will take the field in an All Black test match for the first time in nearly three years this weekend. The Canterbury first five has been named to start in the final test of the Rugbys Greatest Rivalry series, providing the biggest talking point in Dave Rennie’s selection. However, Rennie stressed today at the team’s media conference that it was not an out of the blue decision for the fixture at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium.
“The biggest games of my career”, Roigard reflects on tour
By: Jamie Wall The team is now in the United States, preparing for the fourth test of the Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the Springboks, with Roigard saying that they need to minimise errors in order to level the series. "We created a lot of opportunities.
Rennie confident All Blacks can level up series in Baltimore
By: Jamie Wall Dave Rennie freely admits that the All Blacks would rather be 2-1 up than the other way around heading into the fourth test in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series presented by Castle Double Malt. Speaking at the historic Watergate Hotel in Washington DC, Rennie stressed the importance of tying up the series before the team heads back to New Zealand. “It would be nice to have left South African soil leading 2-1, and you feel like you've won a series on South African soil.
The rivalry that runs deep
By: Jamie Wall This weekend, the All Blacks and Springboks play each other for the 111th time. It’s the third of four this season, but the last on South African soil as the Greatest Rivalry series moves on to Baltimore next weekend. It’s fair to say that tension is high between the two camps, however Dave Rennie was quick to remind everyone today of the mutual respect that exists.
“Can't Afford to Be on the Back Foot" — Hansen on Springbok Women’s challenge
Whitney Hansen broke ground as the first Black Ferns coach to name a team to play in South Africa today, which meant she was also the first to explain the challenge the Springbok Women will bring on home soil. The two sides meet in a historic occasion at Soweto’s vast FNB Stadium on the weekend, with the venue having a capacity of 94,000. "What an exciting thing to look forward to,” said Hansen, who will take charge of her sixth match this season.
History of the Black Ferns and Springbok Women
By 2010, 89 years after the All Blacks and Springbok men had first met on a rugby field, their female counterparts finally got to match their achievement. It wasn’t at Eden Park, or Ellis Park or even in New Zealand or South Africa. It was at the University of Surrey in Guildford, England, part of that year’s Women’s Rugby World Cup.
All to play for in Soweto
By: Jamie Wall While the Springboks have already made their way back to Johannesburg in preparation, the All Blacks have chosen to stay a couple of extra days in Cape Town. The big talking points of the week are once again scrums, attack and just how to go about achieving a crucial 2-1 series lead before the action heads over to Baltimore. "We had big improvements from test one to test two,” said assistant coach Mike Blair.
Cape Town: the All Blacks' home away from home
By: Jamie Wall The All Blacks have achieved a 1-0 series lead over the Springboks in the Greatest Rivalry Tour, and couldn’t have moved to a more iconic place to try and double their lead. The beautiful city of Cape Town has turned on its best weather for the arrival of both the visitors and the home side, although many inhabitants may have some contrasting views on exactly who is who. The fact that the All Blacks are well supported in the city and indeed the entire Cape Region is well known.
The passion of Cape Town’s All Black fans
By: Jamie Wall Cape Town is well known for its All Black supporters, whose motivations for embracing a team representing another country aren’t always as clear-cut as many Kiwis think. “It started with my dad,” said Kurshé-Lee Brandt, who lives in nearby Paarl and attends every game with her equally rugby-mad partner Angelique Johannes. “For him, it started with the apartheid era in South Africa.
The brilliant Johannesburg trilogy
The All Black side that played between the World Cup wins of 2011 and 2015 is widely regarded as one of the best ever. The most notable times they were truly tested was at the home of South African rugby, Ellis Park. 2013 was a landmark season for the All Blacks. It was the first in the professional era that any test side went through a season winning all their games, and they did it the hard way, going through Ellis Park and one of the greatest tests ever played.
‘ It took everything’ - Fitzpatrick reflects on epic 1996 series win
Times have certainly changed for Sean Fitzpatrick. When he used to step out onto South African rugby fields in a black jersey, it’s fair to say the reception was one of hostility. However, three decades on from the All Blacks’ iconic series win in the Republic, the 92-test former captain is greeted like an old friend.
Locked in: All Blacks prepare for the Greatest Rivalry opener
By: Jamie Wall Johannesburg has warmed up since the All Blacks’ arrival, in more ways than one. The City of Gold was near freezing last weekend, but temperatures have returned to the very comfortable low 20s, with shorts and t-shirts the standard dress code for the media who traveled out to watch the team train at St Stithians College. St Stithians sits just north of where the All Blacks are staying, in their usual base of Sandton.
Loftus Versfeld: A fortress the All Blacks know how to conquer
The All Blacks head into their third game of Castle Double Malt Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour with two contrasting wins under their belt. They followed up a hard fought win over the Stormers with a 54-0 triumph over the Sharks in Durban, in a match affected by some seriously inclement conditions. The weather had taken a turn for the worse over the whole country earlier in the week, with snow falling in some areas.
All Blacks return to Durban after a decade
If there were any doubts about just how significant Rugby's Greatest Rivalry presented by Castle Double Malt was going to be here in South Africa, they were washed away as the All Blacks and DHL Stormers ran onto DHL Stadium on Friday night. Washed away by 47,000 voices roaring in unison as the first tour match the All Blacks have played in the Republic for 30 years.
All Blacks soaking up the sights in Cape Town
All Blacks receive warm Cape Town welcome If you’re wondering why you’re not seeing any pictures of the All Blacks on top of Table Mountain, it’s not because they’re suddenly afraid of heights. Cape Town’s most famous attraction’s access gondola is currently undergoing its annual maintenance, which means if you want to get up to see one of the greatest views in the world, you’ll have to hike up. But it’s fair to say the All Blacks have made themselves right at home in Cape Town regardless.
Monday take: unpacking the Richie Mo'unga situation
Richie Mo’unga during his last test, the 2023 World Cup final. Image: Bob Martin/ActionPress Once again, apologies for the lack of content. I arrived home last week after a 30 hour journey from Sri Lanka, which really took it out of me. Back to normal transmission from now on, though. Steve Lancaster had a bit to do on his first couple of days as new full time NZ Rugby CEO.
Former All Black Kieran Read lends a hand to Under 85s in Sri Lanka
mens international Photo: (Johnny Hendrikus/NZR) The New Zealand Under 85kg team got a welcome boost on their tour of Sri Lanka this week, with former All Black captain Kieran Read dropping by to lend a hand at training. Temperatures this week have been around 30 degrees with 100 percent humidity, with the 127-test veteran and two-time World Cup winner saying that team will “want to build” on their tough 27-16 win in the opening match against the Sri Lankan test side. “It’s awesome to see, man.
New Zealand Under 85s survive five yellow cards to defeat Sri Lanka
mens international NZ U85kg Francis Morrison during the New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers, Kandy, Sri Lanka, Sunday, 3 May 2026. (Photo by Lahiru Harshana / action press) Despite being dealt a full hand of cards, the New Zealand Under 85kg side defeated Sri Lanka 25-10 in Kandy on Sunday. The win means the side remains unbeaten and retains the Sir Graham Henry Trophy, however the series was much closer than last year with the Tuskers showing a great deal more physicality.
New Zealand U85kg identify fixes after early shock against Sri Lanka
It’s fair to say that the New Zealand Under 85kg got a bit of a shock in the first half of their match against Sri Lanka in Colombo on Saturday night. Despite eventually pulling away for a 27-16 win, the New Zealanders had to endure a relentless Tuskers effort from the kick-off, one that saw them trail after conceding a well-taken try by midfielder Janidu Dilshan. In fact, it could’ve been a deeper hole at halftime had a forward pass not ruled out a Tuskers try right on halftime.
Sri Lanka muscle up but supersub powers New Zealand U85kg to victory
mens international NZ U85kg Pasia Asiata during the New Zealand Under 85kg v Sri Lanka Tuskers, Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday, 26 April 2026. (Photo by Lahiru Harshana / action press) Copied to clipboard 0 The New Zealand Under 85kg side have held off a much-improved Sri Lanka in Colombo, winning 27-16 in a hard-fought match.
Club battlers to celebrities: The NZ U85kg team touch down in Sri Lanka
mens international New Zealand U85 run out alongside the Tuskers in Sri Lanka. Image courtesy of Johnny Hendrikus/NZR. Copied to clipboard 0 The New Zealand Under 85kg team is back in Sri Lanka, aiming to repeat the success of their groundbreaking tour of 2025. That visit saw the team play in front of capacity crowds in Kandy and Colombo against the full Sri Lankan national side, resulting in two victories despite the obvious size disparity.
Moana Pasifika hit the end of the road
Image: Aaron Gillions / action press Just like that, it’s done. Within a matter of hours of the reports that Moana Pasifika were to exit Super Rugby Pacific started swirling, it was confirmed by mid-morning Wednesday. That leaves just six games left in the team’s existence unless they make the playoffs, which, like everything else Moana has faced, is probably too big an ask.
Monday take: the biggest issue facing women's rugby
Mererangi Paul on the way to the tryline. Image: Garret Spenst / Action Press Congratulations to the Black Ferns, who kicked off their season with a 48-15 win over the USA in the opening match of this year’s Pac 4 tournament. Some of it was sublime, some not so much, which is about the same way to sum up the way the team has been playing ever since their iconic World Cup final win at Eden Park.
Super Rugby Pacific Sunday Session: Hurricane warning
Captain Hurricane is flying high. Image: Marty Melville/ActionPress As far as statements go, that’s about as emphatic as the Hurricanes can be. The 42-19 thumping of the second-placed Blues on Saturday night was one built on patience, ruthlessness and the ability to shift up a gear at the business end, the last part being the most crucial for their title ambitions this season.
The biggest game of the year so far?
Beauden Barrett tackles Cam Roigard. Image: Andy Radka/ActionPress Hurricanes v. Blues Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 11 April (NZT) Hnry Stadium, Wellington This is, literally, the oldest rivalry in Super Rugby. Admittedly only by a matter of hours, but the fact remains that the Hurricanes and Blues have been playing each other for longer than anyone else in professional rugby in this part of the world. That was February 1996.
Monday take: Why Neil Barnes has resonated so much with All Black fans
Neil Barnes. Image: John Cowpland/ActionPress Neil Barnes was about as ‘rugby coach’ as you could get in his lengthy stand up interview at NZ Rugby headquarters in Auckland last week. He stood, hands on hips and commanded proceedings with the sort of tone that echoes off changing room walls every Saturday afternoon around the country. Stern. Serious. But one that believes in the people he’s talking to.
What you need to know: Super Rugby Pacific round seven
Ruben Love looking to carve up the Reds again. Image: Pat Hoelscher / Action Press It’s an intriguing looking round of Super Rugby Pacific this weekend, with the top of the table Hurricanes heading into a month of tough fixtures. Meanwhile, Moana have their best chance to reverse some seriously concerning results and the Drua face a tough test away from home against the Blues.
Guest column: Hurricanes Fans, Brace Yourselves
Don’t celebrate too early. Image: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Martin Devlin is concerned about the form of his beloved Hurricanes, mainly because he grew up in Wellington and has been burned too many times before. When not suffering from Fog Final-related PTSD, Marty hosts the DSPN podcast - the most up to date and timely source of rugby news right now. Hurricanes fans, a quick word of advice: lower your expectations… then lower them again just to be safe.
All Blacks: the coaching puzzle is now complete
Neil Barnes. Image: Aaron Gillions/ActionPress Good news for all traditionalists out there: the All Blacks have a straight-talking farmer back in the set up. Neil Barnes isn’t a completely no-nonsense character, he still had time for a laugh at the end of today’s press conference that announced his hiring, but the other things he said may well reconnect with All Black fans who are feeling slightly disenfranchised after the last few months.
Super Rugby Pacific: NZ Form XV after round six
Ruben Love. Image: Michael Thomas/ActionPress Martin Devlin and I have started naming a Super Rugby Pacific Form XV every week, as part of his DSPN podcast. The selection criteria is simple: how they played in Super Rugby Pacific the weekend just gone. So it should come as little surprise that the team with the most dominant performance has the most names in the side. Check out last week’s selection here.
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Super Rugby Pacific Sunday Session: round six
Zarn Sullivan of the Blues. Image: Stephen Markham/ActionPress What on earth happened to the Waratahs on Saturday night? All the ball, all the chances and no idea in the first half, with the Blues probably not believing their luck in the second as they cruised away to a 35-20 win. The Tahs bombed so many opportunities they probably should be getting investigated for war crimes, if not crimes against handling and decision-making.
Super Rugby Pacific round six: what you need to know
Damian McKenzie. Image: Aaron Gillions/ActionPress The Hurricanes are currently top of Super Rugby Pacific, but tellingly they head into their first NZ derby match of the season. So it’s fair to say we’ll learn a bit about whether they’re true contenders when they play the Highlanders in what’s shaping up as the feature match of the round.
All Blacks: Sonny Bill's wish is coming true
Tana Umaga. Image: Aaron Gillions/ActionPress Sonny Bill Williams called for it. Now seven years after he played his last game for the All Blacks, the one thing he wished for seems almost certain to come into fruition. It was November, 2019 in Tokyo. The atmosphere in a large conference room at the All Blacks’ hotel felt like a wake, because it was only three days after they’d been bounced out of the World Cup by England.
Super Rugby Pacific: Form XV after five rounds
Devan Flanders. Image: Paul Taylor/ActionPress Martin Devlin and I have started naming a Super Rugby Pacific Form XV every week, as part of his DSPN podcast. The selection criteria is simple: how they played in Super Rugby Pacific the weekend just gone. Our first edition didn’t really have any set rules and ended up with Ardie Savea in there, so we figured there should be some sort of guidelines to keep it consistent.
Jamie Wall (@jamiewallrugby)
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Monday morning take: The cognitive dissonance around high scoring rugby
Let’s get one thing out of the way first, because there’s a lot to discuss after the weekend’s action. France’s 48-46 win over England in Paris was one of the most exhilarating, incredible test matches you’ll ever see. So good, in fact, we’re going to be hearing about it for a while as well as how good this year’s Six Nations tournament was. And that’s fair too.
Much ado about nothing? Blues weigh in on Crusaders training fight
Crusaders v Highlanders Kick-off: 7:05pm Friday 13 March Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch Blues v Moana Pasifika Kick-off: 3:35pm Sunday 15 March Eden Park, Auckland The question about exactly what a punch is seems to have created one of the more humorous rugby stories of the season, and we’re only five weeks in. Kershawl Sykes-Martin and Will Tucker had a scrap at training on Tuesday, which was seen by a journalist who reported back that both men used closed fists.
Super Rugby Pacific wrap: Rusty Chiefs, hot Highlanders and Moana’s miracle
One moment summed up the Blues' night against the Chiefs, and it happened before the game had even kicked off. An honour guard of the original 1996 Super 12 winning side stood ready to clap the Blues onto Eden Park, but no one told the players and they ran out the other side, leaving the crowd groaning in embarrassment. The well-intentioned yet poorly executed theme then continued for most of the next 80 minutes, with the Blues showing glimpses of what they're capable of.
Super Rugby Pacific: Blues v Chiefs live updates
The Chiefs have rolled up State Highway 1 for a date with the Blues on Valentine's Day, as both sides open their Super Rugby Pacific seasons at Eden Park. Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT.
Highlanders score massive upset over Crusaders in Super Rugby opener
Jamie Joseph may well have a new job next by weekend, but he can enjoy a brilliant start to his unfancied Highlanders side's season for now. By Jamie Wall of RNZ They scored a thoroughly deserved 25-23 win over the defending champion Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium, first five Cam Millar ice cold when he knocked over a 50m penalty goal in the 78th minute. It was sweet redemption for Millar, who missed a similar shot the last time these sides met that would've sent the game to extra time.
Super Rugby Pacific: Highlanders v Crusaders live updates
Super Rugby Pacific opens with a southern clash under the roof, with the banged up Highlanders taking on the defending champion Crusaders. Kick-off is at 7:05pm NZT.
Super Rugby Pacific: Blues expecting big second half challenge against Chiefs
Blues v Chiefs Kick-off: 7:05pm Saturday 14 February Eden Park, Auckland Live updates on RNZ Blues coach Vern Cotter confirmed today that the side he's named for Saturday night's season opener is very much in line with what he's expecting from their opponents. Cotter identified the Chiefs' ability to change gears in the back end of games.
Super Rugby Pacific team namings: Highlanders and Blues to start promising loosies
Boom Otago rookie Lucas Casey has been handed a start for the Highlanders for Friday night's opening clash with the Crusaders. The 22-year-old will run out at number eight, with Sean Withy and TK Howden with him in the loose forwards. The home side has already been rocked by the serious injury to All Black lock Fabian Holland, with Oliver Haig partnering Mitch Dunshea in the second row.
Super Rugby Pacific preview: The Chiefs
Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we're checking in on a Chiefs side desperately looking for a title win. Read: Highlanders preview Read: Moana Pasifika preview Read: Blues preview Read: Hurricanes preview Another year, another heartbreak for the Chiefs is the best way to sum up 2025.
Super Rugby Pacific preview: The Blues
Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we're checking in on a team with plenty to prove, the Blues.
‘Rugby's not done enough’: New Blues CEO on how to fill stadiums again
Fan-centric, fan first - whatever you want to call it, that's the buzzword around rugby ever since people started rightfully noticing that there were more than a few empty seats at Super Rugby Pacific games. With the season set to start next weekend, new Blues CEO Karl Budge is on a mission to change that. Although he says that simply because Eden Park isn't packing out like it did in the 90s, it doesn't mean people aren't interested.
Super Rugby Pacific law changes: Players give their verdict
One of the major talking points around the start of Super Rugby Pacific next weekend are tweaks to the laws, designed to make for a better viewing experience. While it does seemingly push the competition just that much farther away from the rigours of test rugby, the changes are being warmly received by the players themselves. "I think it's going to be good for the game," said Brumbies and Wallabies fullback Tom Wright, at the competition launch in Auckland.
Super Rugby Pacific preview: Highlanders
Super Rugby Pacific is back after a real return to form last year, with the competition kicking off in Dunedin on 13 February. As usual, each team has gone through an eventful off season, so today we're checking in on the Highlanders. The Highlanders certainly started last season well, winning two out of their first three games, but then fell off a cliff and only managed one more victory in the next 10. That meant they finished outside the playoffs in a very disappointing 10th spot.
Super Rugby Pacific countdown: Legends reflect on competition’s history
While professional rugby is a relatively recent development, 30 years certainly feels like a long time ago for some of the players who ran out for the inaugural Super Rugby season. Known as Super 12 for the first 10 seasons, the competition revolutionised every aspect of rugby both on the field and off. Now, after several name changes and even more to its format, we have Super Rugby Pacific.
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