‘Arrogance that we don't play with’: All Blacks legend on Springboks' edge

Robbie Cuthbertson • September 2nd, 2026 11:32 am

Simon Parker | Photo: Photosport

Legendary captain Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford believes the All Blacks will bounce back to tip over the Springboks, despite their recent setback in Cape Town.

Shelford led New Zealand during an undefeated period from 1986-1990, including a Rugby World Cup win.

Shelford backs the All Blacks to respond against the Springboks after their second Test defeat, saying the side has been much improved under new head coach Dave Rennie.

Sir Wayne 'Buck' Shelford. | Photo: Photosport

“They've come a long way since last year.” Shelford told Sport Nation Mornings.

“Everything is clarity, clarity, and you know, he's got them out there training and playing a great brand of rugby, which is fantastic.”

However, Shelford - famous for his warrior-like performance in the 1986 ‘Battle of Nantes’ Test against France, where he famously ripped a testicle and continued playing after stitching it back up - notes the All Blacks were making too many mistakes trying to play a quicker brand of rugby.

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“At times they're trying to play so fast," he explained. "But you know, at the end of the day, playing fast is good, but if you're making the mistakes you're making, slow it down a little bit and be more accurate.”

“That's the biggest thing I see."

Shelford praised the Springboks for their response to the opening loss in Johannesburg, admiring the brand of "arrogance" he believes gives them an edge.

"I think they actually play with an arrogance that we don't play with.” Shelford said.

“The way that they play their rugby, it's tough and with that arrogance with them they say 'you'll never beat us'.

"We saw in the first Test that they weren't as good as what they thought they would be but the second Test, they proved that they are pretty good.”

Shelford did back the All Blacks to take the series but acknowledged that everything would be on the line in the third Test in Johannesburg, but with confidence the All Blacks could get the job done.

“I think they're doing quite well. We just need to have a little bit of luck on our side, the bounce of the ball going our way, and we can turn the table on them quite easily.” Shelford said.

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“I think we've got the team to do it”

In 2007, the former All Blacks captain was diagnosed with lymphoma, making a full recovery and campaigning for men to take their health more seriously.

"It's about men, you know, getting up and getting off their chuffs and if they haven't been to the doctor in the last year, get along to the doctors and get checked," said Shelford, who has become an ambassador for The Prostate Cancer Foundation.

“I think that a lot of men, they just say, 'oh, now there's nothing wrong down there, it's working all right'. And basically, they go back to work and six months later, they realise they've got to be diagnosed with prostate cancer, and they don't get the opportunity to treat it properly.”

Shelford said it’s easier to get checked than ever and that it's important for men to do so to support their families.

“Do it for your family.” Shelford said.

“If you feel you're the leader of the family, go to the bloody doctor, it's a big part of it.”

Listen to the full interview below: