Tendai ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira weighs in on rugby’s greatest rivalry

By IOL

TENDAI ‘The Beast’ Mtawarira knows a thing or two about overpowering the opposition. The 2019 Rugby World Cup champion and new Monster Energy ambassador recently sat down to deliver his unvarnished verdict on the New Zealand All Blacks’ unprecedented eight-match tour taking shape on South African soil.

Mtawarira’s analysis of the upcoming trench-driven battle between the Springboks and the All Blacks is not built on mere observation from a commentary booth. It is rooted in the gritty reality of a Zimbabwe-born teenager who stepped off a bus from Bulawayo with little more than a backpack, rugby boots, and a R2,000 cash gift from his father.

To survive as an academy loose forward, he devoured five KFC Streetwise 2 meals in one sitting just to maintain his weight. To make rent, he weaponised that burgeoning bulk as a bouncer at the notorious One Stop nightclub on Kings Park match days.

When asked about this year’s series a, Mtawarira, who retired from international rugby more than six years ago, offered a straightforward assessment of the matchup and clash between South Africa and the All Blacks.

“I think it’s going to be a massive contest,” he observed. 

“I think it’s really exciting to have a tour of this kind happen for the first time in 30 years.”

While New Zealand navigates a rebuilding phase under head coach Dave Rennie, Mtawarira expects the Springboks to establish physical dominance up front. He acknowledged the threat posed by New Zealand’s backline speed.

“That is where the All Blacks will probably stumble, against our forward pack, although they have the ability to play at a very high tempo with an agile back line that can make opponents chase shadows,” he noted.

Mtawarira pointed out that high-tempo attacking play relies on possession, identifying the South African scrum and rolling maul as the primary areas where the Springboks will exert control and test the visitors.

“I think we can prepare ourselves for a massive battle, but I am convinced the Springboks’ forwards have too much firepower,” Mtawarira stated.

“Our pack of forwards will overwhelm the All Blacks. We have an incredible group of forwards who can put us on the front foot in various ways.”

On Tackling SA’s Home Crowd 

When asked about the impact of the supporters, Mtawarira revealed a long-earned psychological respect for the 12-week tour. Similarities were drawn to the 2009 British and Irish Lions series. Mtawarira noted that when a touring squad spends over a month in a country, the hostility begins to fade into familiarity.

“So they start feeling at home, so the crowd factor actually doesn’t come into play, especially when it comes to probably that second or third test match,” he noted.

“I’ve had many test matches at Ellis Park against the All Blacks, and they could always prevail,” he reflected. “I think they will embrace the elements and acclimatise, or make sure they do what they need to do to prepare well.”

The Final Fixture in the States

Considered a sleeping giant by Mtawarira, the US-based fixture serves as a massive spectacle for a nation frantically preparing to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup.

The tour’s climax represents the absolute modern commercialisation of the sport, with the fourth Test being moved to the 70,000-seat M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on September 12, 2026.

While the venue is predicted to favour the visitors due to their rich history of stateside fixtures (such as their historic Soldier Field appearances), the strategic unpredictability of Springbok Head Coach Rassie Erasmus will factor heavily into the test match series.

Despite the massive stakes of the rivalry, the deployment of a younger squad for the final match is speculated by Mtawarira, viewing it as a long-term chess move.

“I think it’ll be an opportunity for a youngster to really step up to the plate, an opportunity to showcase what they have and be selected for that squad that might be selected for next year’s World Cup,” he stated.

Feeling The Haka

The raw emotional weight of international rugby for Mtawarira centers on the privilege of facing the Haka. Mtawarira recalls a bruising 2008 encounter against the All Blacks at Newlands.

“I remember I had goosebumps. I was ready to die,” Mtawarira said. “I was ready to throw my body on the line because that’s how much it meant, and I think them doing the Haka actually got us more charged up than them.”

Unlike his early days in the jersey, where seasoned stars were favoured, he looks at the current roster of talent in the South Africa squad.

“Just the depth, just the amount of youngsters that are coming through the pipeline,” he noted. “They mean serious business.”

The All Blacks perform the haka ahead of their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) Tour clash against the DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium, August 7.

As the Rugby Championship schedule makes way for this historic milestone: the All Blacks’ first extended tour of South Africa since 1996, Mtawarira’s insights are a lion’s roar to his countrymen, and a clear, terrifying warning is sent to New Zealand: the South African pack is waiting, ready, and clear-headed.

The Test series is officially set to begin at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026.

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