Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira, a 2019 Rugby World Cup champion and Monster Energy ambassador, shared his thoughts on the upcoming historic tour of the New Zealand 'All Blacks' to South Africa.
Mtawarira, who has a good understanding of neutralizing opponents, commented on the eight-match 'All Blacks' tour of South Africa. His analysis of the impending clash between the 'Springboks' and the 'All Blacks' is based not only on observations from the commentary box but also on the personal experience of the young man from Zimbabwe, who started his journey with little baggage and a gift from his father.
To maintain weight as an academy forward, he once ate five KFC Streetwise 2 meals in one sitting. And to pay rent, he used his growing physical fitness as a security guard at the One Stop club during match days at Kings Park stadium.
When asked about the current series, Mtawarira, who ended his international career over six years ago, gave a direct assessment of the upcoming confrontation between South Africa and the 'All Blacks'. He noted: 'I think it will be a massive contest. I am very interested that such a tour is happening for the first time in 30 years.'
Despite New Zealand going through a rebuilding phase under head coach Dave Rennie, Mtawarira expects the 'Springboks' to establish physical dominance in the middle of the field. However, he acknowledged the threat posed by the speed of the New Zealand backline.
He emphasized: 'That's where the All Blacks are likely to stumble, against our front line, although they are capable of playing at a very high tempo with a nimble backline that can make opponents run in circles.'
Mtawarira pointed out that high-tempo attacking play depends on ball possession, naming South African scrum and rolling maul as the main areas where the 'Springboks' will apply pressure and test the visitors. He stated: 'I think we can prepare for a huge battle, but I am convinced that the Springboks forwards have too much firepower.'
He added: 'Our forward pack will stun the All Blacks. We have an incredible group of forwards who can put us ahead in various ways.'
On the influence of home crowds on South Africa
Responding to questions about the influence of fans, Mtawarira spoke about the deep psychological respect for the 12-week tour. He compared the situation to the British and Irish Lions series in 2009. Mtawarira observed that when a visiting team stays in a country for more than a month, hostility gradually gives way to familiarity.
He noted: 'So they start to feel at home, and the crowd factor doesn't really matter, especially when it comes to the second or third test match.' He also recalled his matches at Ellis Park stadium against the 'All Blacks', noting that they could always win. 'I think they will adapt to the conditions or do whatever is necessary for good preparation.'
The final match in the USA
Mtawarira views the match in the USA as a sleeping giant, representing a major spectacle for a country actively preparing to host the 2031 Rugby World Cup. The culmination of the tour—the fourth test match—will take place on September 12, 2026, at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, which seats 70,000 spectators, symbolizing the modern commercialization of sport.
Although the arena is predicted to favor the visitors due to their rich history of matches in the States (such as their historical performances at Soldier Field), the strategic unpredictability of 'Springboks' head coach Rassie Erasmus will be crucial for the series. Despite the immense significance of this rivalry, Mtawarira suggests that a younger squad will be used for the final match, viewing it as a long-term chess move.
He stated: 'I think it will be an opportunity for a young man to truly shine, a chance to demonstrate his abilities and get into the squad that might be selected for the next World Cup.'
The feeling of the Haka
For Mtawarira, the emotional significance of international rugby is tied to the privilege of facing the Haka. He recalls a painful encounter with the 'All Blacks' in Newlands in 2008. Mtawarira recounted: 'I remember getting goosebumps. I was ready to die. I was ready to throw my body into the line because it meant so much to me, and I think their performance of the Haka charged us up even more.'
Unlike his early days in uniform, when experienced stars were favored, he assesses the current talent pool in the South African team. He noted: 'Only the depth, only the number of young players coming through the system. They pose a serious threat.'
Before the match as part of the 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' tour against the DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium on August 7, the 'All Blacks' perform the Haka. Since the Rugby World Cup schedule yields to this historic event—the first extended 'All Blacks' tour of South Africa since 1996—Mtawarira's opinions serve as a rallying cry for his compatriots and a clear, intimidating warning to New Zealand: the South African front line awaits, is ready, and remains sharp. The series officially begins at Ellis Park stadium on Saturday, August 22, 2026.
