Super Rugby 2026: The backline fixes the All Blacks’ coach will want to see

The All Blacks face critical challenges heading into the 2026 season, with a need to refine both their defensive and offensive strategies. A key focus will be improving aerial dominance, particularly in countering the increasingly prevalent kicking game employed by international opponents like South Africa.

The Importance of the Aerial Battle

With leading international teams consistently utilizing kicks from both the halfback and fly-half positions, securing possession from these “bombs” is now considered essential for the All Blacks. The ability to win and retain possession after contesting high balls will be a non-negotiable aspect of their game plan.

Did You Know? In the 2025 Rugby Championship, the All Blacks scored only two tries – representing 9% of their total – from counter-attack opportunities.

Offensive Struggles and Key Players

Beyond the kicking game, the All Blacks also need to increase their potency in both set-piece and open play. Recent statistics reveal a concerning trend: during the 2025 Rugby Championship, only 9% of their tries originated from counter-attacks. This highlights issues that arose during Scott Robertson’s tenure, as the team historically relies on speed, skill execution, and exploiting space in broken play.

Will Jordan is identified as a player with the potential to significantly impact the All Blacks’ fortunes in 2026. His ability to develop into a reliable fullback, capable of consistently winning aerial contests, is seen as crucial. Super Rugby will provide a key platform for Jordan to hone these skills.

The South Africa Challenge

A major test for the All Blacks will be their four-test tour of South Africa. This series is anticipated to feature a significant amount of kicking from the Springboks, who excel at winning contested high balls through clean catches or effective tap-backs. The All Blacks’ struggles with accurately dealing with high balls in the past year have put them under considerable pressure.

Expert Insight: The emphasis on aerial skills and counter-attacking prowess suggests a return to core principles of New Zealand rugby – speed, agility, and opportunistic play – while acknowledging the need to adapt to the evolving tactical landscape of international competition.

Improving the back three composition is a priority. Pairing Jordan with players who also possess strong kick-catching abilities, such as Emoni Narawa and Caleb Clarke, could be a key step. Other players like Crusaders utility Chay Fihaki and Highlanders fullback Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens could also emerge as contenders.

Emerging Talent and Positional Needs

The team will also be looking for development in other key positions. Caleb Tangitau and Kyren Taumoefolau will be assessed for their potential to add pace and attacking threat. The search for a consistent and effective centre is also underway, with Hurricanes player Billy Proctor identified as a promising option, though his previous struggles at the test level remain a question mark. Daniel Rona of the Chiefs is also considered an underrated option.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the biggest immediate concern for the All Blacks?

The biggest immediate concern is improving their ability to win the aerial battle and accurately deal with high balls, particularly in anticipation of the kicking game of teams like South Africa.

Which player is seen as pivotal to the All Blacks’ success?

Will Jordan is seen as pivotal, with his development as a reliable fullback – particularly his aerial skills – being crucial to the team’s performance.

What was the All Blacks’ try-scoring breakdown in the 2025 Rugby Championship?

The All Blacks scored only two tries (9% of their total) from counter-attack opportunities during the 2025 Rugby Championship.

Will the All Blacks be able to effectively address these challenges and reclaim their dominance on the international stage?