{
  "id": 1047077,
  "title": "Heyneke: All Blacks lack Boks’ depth",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/15/heyneke-all-blacks-lack-boks-depth",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-15T13:30:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/sport/rugby/heyneke-all-blacks-lack-boks-depth/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer contends that New Zealand's All Blacks are lacking depth compared to South Africa's team. Meyer, who led the Boks from 2012 to 2015, expressed his thoughts on the Behind the Ruck podcast, stating that facing the world champions over four Tests would expose the difference in depth between the two nations. Meyer emphasized that the current Springbok squad is exceptionally experienced, and that having a strong set-piece will be crucial in these games. He also highlighted that the set-piece is the primary strength of the South African team, and suggested that France might have similar capabilities. Meyer predicted that while the All Blacks can beat any team on any given day, South Africa's depth in the forwards gives them an edge against the All Blacks.",
  "summary": "\"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. They like a continuous game.\"",
  "key_points": [
    "All Blacks lack depth compared to South Africa's team",
    "Former Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer noted this difference",
    "Experienced Springboks and strong set-piece crucial for Tests"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}