'They’re in good shape': Goldie on All Blacks win, Richie Mo’unga and Rassie’s gamble

Sport Nation • August 12th, 2026 5:32 pm

Luke Jacobson | Photo: Photosport

Jeff Wilson says the All Blacks did exactly what they needed to do against the Sharks, even if the opposition was never close to full strength.

Dave Rennie’s side put 50 on the Durban outfit, with the second half showing the intensity and polish the All Blacks will need when the Springboks arrive.

“All you can do is beat the team that’s in front of you,” Wilson told Sport Nation’s Millsy & Guy.

“To put 50 on a team in South Africa, that’s not easy.”

Goldie was particularly impressed by Ruben Love’s growing maturity, while Kyle Preston’s performance has added genuine spice to the halfback picture.

“Preston definitely put his hand up,” Wilson said.

“Skill sets were great. Execution in difficult conditions was very, very good.”

Ma'a Nonu has Izzy biting his tongue! | Scotty & Izzy

Wilson still hopes Cam Roigard is fit for the first Test on August 23 (NZ time), but said Preston has made the selectors think hard.

“There’s no doubt I think the stock of Kyle Preston’s going up very, very quickly.”

The Damian McKenzie injury scare has also reopened the Richie Mo’unga conversation. Wilson does not believe panic is needed, but said there is now little downside in bringing extra cover into camp.

“I’ll be disappointed if he’s not on a plane very, very soon,” he said.

“It does give them just that extra body and a player who you would anticipate is going to be part of their plans in the future.”

Since the interview, Mo'unga has been named to start in Canterbury's NPC side that will defend the Ranfurly Shield against Bay of Plenty on Saturday.

Wilson also went inside Rassie Erasmus’ mind, questioning whether South Africa missed a chance to make the All Blacks’ buildup tougher by releasing more Springbok-aligned players for the franchise games.

“There’s a little bit of danger if you’re allowing the All Blacks to get confidence by not putting stronger teams up against them,” he said.

The proof, as Wilson put it, will come in the first test.

“I think they’re in good shape. They’re going to have the team good enough. It’ll be just about doing it and winning on the day.”

Listen to the full interview below: