Dan Biggar believes that the All Blacks no longer hold the title as the most formidable team in international rugby, a position he now attributes to Siya Kolisi’s Springboks. This shift in dominance will be evident when England faces New Zealand at Twickenham. While typically a highly anticipated game, tickets are still available, a sign that it may not draw the same crowd as before.
According to Biggar, South Africa has now replaced New Zealand as the biggest fixture in rugby, a position they’ve earned with recent accomplishments. The Springboks, winners of the Rugby Championship and back-to-back World Cups, have become rugby’s new powerhouse. Biggar admits he would confidently bet on South Africa to clinch the next World Cup, as they’ve achieved so much over the past five years despite limited support outside South Africa.
Although South Africa is only beginning their Autumn Nations Series campaign next week, the focus remains on England versus New Zealand, with familiar attention on the pre-match haka. Yet Biggar is fascinated by South Africa’s transformation, especially over the last year since retaining the Webb Ellis Cup. He describes them as a “winning machine” and asserts that the ultimate challenge now lies in playing against South Africa on their home turf, a tougher test than facing the All Blacks in New Zealand.
Biggar sees the Springboks’ progress as a formidable development. He notes their ability to maintain a core group of experienced players while trialing new styles in the Rugby Championship, a sign of their adaptability. This foundation, he suggests, will ensure South Africa fields one of the most experienced teams in the next World Cup. Their strength in depth is already impressive, and if they continue adding a few new talents every season, they’ll enter 2027 with a squad capable of another championship.
Reflecting on his admiration, Biggar recently commended South Africa’s leadership and the coaching approach of Rassie Erasmus, who has fostered a team of seasoned pros able to embrace evolving tactics while integrating new players.
Biggar further highlights the importance of this autumn for Northern Hemisphere rugby. Last year’s World Cup saw only one Northern team, England, make it to the semi-finals after France, Ireland, and Wales fell to Southern Hemisphere teams. He notes the pressure this places on England, but it’s equally significant for Australia and New Zealand. Australia must improve quickly to prepare for the British and Irish Lions series next summer, while New Zealand, despite reaching the World Cup final, has had a difficult year by their standards and could face further losses against top European teams in the upcoming matches.