Jeff Wilson fears All Blacks scrum weakness could be exposed by Springboks

Speaking on Sky Sports' The Breakdown, the former winger turned rugby pundit admitted he is particularly worried about the lack of proven loosehead options available to the All Blacks, which could leave them exposed against one of the most dominant forward packs in world rugby.

Responding to the results of a poll asking which All Blacks position is keeping coach Dave Rennie up at night, Wilson admitted he was surprised loosehead prop did not attract more concern given the looming battles with the Boks.

"It's interesting how there was no love for loosehead prop there, and I'm the one who put loosehead prop in that poll because we are playing the Springboks four times in four weeks," he said.

"I think it's highly unlikely we'll see Tamaiti Williams, given all the challenges he is going through, again in 2026 at the highest level. I hope he gets himself right and gets healthy, and we see the best of him."

Williams remains sidelined with a serious spinal infection, leaving Ethan de Groot as the only vastly experienced specialist loosehead currently available to the All Blacks. Wilson warned that the depth behind him is thin, especially against a Springbok side renowned for its brutal scrummaging power.

"We've only got Ethan de Groot, who has played 40 Test matches for the All Blacks," he said.

"Outside of him, we've got George Bower, who has played 24 Test matches, and Ollie Norris has played three. There is no experience or depth in this position."

Wilson also questioned whether experienced prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi would remain part of the All Blacks' long-term plans, despite his ability to cover both sides of the front row.

"Are you going to go back to Ofa Tu'ungafasi? Highly unlikely given he probably won't be around next year," he said.

"We've got some challenges, and if you are exposed at scrum time at the highest level of Test match rugby, it's going to be a difficult season for the All Blacks.

"For me, loosehead prop right now, a little bit of concern."

Wilson's concerns are well-founded, considering just how much of a weapon the Boks' scrum has been in recent years.

The Springboks can call on established loosehead options such as Ox Nche, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Boan Venter, while Thomas du Toit offers further versatility and power.

On the tighthead side, Wilco Louw and Du Toit have established themselves as the form props, with veteran Frans Malherbe also expected to return at some point this year and up-and-comers like Zachary Porthen knocking on the door.

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