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Live sport on SN this weekend‘One of the worst’: Watto unloads after All Blacks’ series loss
Sport Nation • September 13th, 2026 1:45 pm
The Springboks secured a 3-1 series win in Baltimore | Photo: Photosport
Mark Watson has labelled the All Blacks’ defeat to South Africa in Baltimore “one of the worst” performances he has seen, as the Springboks wrapped up the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 3-1 with a 43-28 victory.
The Rugby Run host said New Zealand’s familiar weaknesses had once again been exposed, with the All Blacks unable to deal with South Africa’s aerial game, scrum pressure or attacking power close to their own line.
“We have learnt absolutely nothing in the last three Tests,” Watson said.
“We still can’t catch a damn high ball, we still can’t scrum and we still can’t defend our own line.”
The Springboks repeatedly reclaimed their kicks and used that dominance to keep the All Blacks under pressure.
Former All Black Shane Howarth agreed the aerial contest had become a major concern, while also identifying the tight-five set piece as an area that requires urgent attention.
“The two things (that need work) are the aerial game and the tight-five set piece,” Howarth told Sport Nation.
“I’ve never seen a team in international rugby put kicks up and retain every single kick they put up. And that’s what they (South Africa) did today. That was frightening.”
South Africa were also superior at the scrum, lineout and breakdown, with Malcolm Marx again making a major impact at the tackle area.
South Africa dominated at scrum time throughout the series | Photo: Photosport
Howarth said New Zealand’s inability to generate turnovers was another clear warning sign.
“I can’t remember many turnovers that we turned over in the four Tests, but I can sure as heck tell you Malcolm Marx turned a few over,” he said.
The former All Black believes the current game has moved away from the traditional openside role, with New Zealand placing more emphasis on carrying and defence than winning possession at the breakdown.
Watto questioned whether the All Blacks’ coaching group should now face greater scrutiny after the same weaknesses have appeared throughout the series.
“We’re happy to drop players when they don’t perform,” Watson said. “At what point do we start looking at some of the assistant coaches?”
He was particularly critical of the selection of Beauden Barrett on the bench, arguing that New Zealand needed a specialist openside such as Du’Plessis Kirifi to help counter South Africa’s breakdown threat.
“We have been so goddamn poor in terms of pilfering and turning ball over at the tackle area,” Watson said in reflection.
“Would you rather have Beauden Barrett on the bench today or Du’Plessis Kirifi?”
Du'Plessis Kirifi | Photo: Photosport
The All Blacks were competitive early, with Codie Taylor scoring after slick attacking play, while Will Jordan, Ethan Blackadder and Beauden Barrett also crossed.
But South Africa’s control at the set piece and in the air eventually proved decisive. Handling errors, missed tackles and poor decisions prevented New Zealand from capitalising on promising attacking periods.
Howarth said the All Blacks had gained valuable experience from facing the world’s No. 1 side four times, particularly the younger forwards who were exposed to South Africa’s power.
Watson was less convinced, questioning how many more lessons the All Blacks needed before turning narrow defeats into wins.
For Howarth, the path forward is clear. New Zealand must improve its aerial work and tight-five set piece before the World Cup, or risk being exposed by South Africa again.
“That’s what needs to be addressed over the next 12 months,” he said. “The aerial game and the tight-five set piece.”
Listen to the full interview below:
Watto fires up following the All Blacks' 3-1 series loss | The Rugby Run
