Boks will be at their most dangerous after defeat, warns Carter

All Black legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw expect the Springboks’ backlash to be fierce

HERMAN GIBBS
27 August, 2026 – In a thought-provoking post-dinner Q&A session at the iconic Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) in Cape Town on Thursday, rugby legends Dan Carter and Richie McCaw shared insights into the game and the upcoming challenges for the Springboks.

The gala dinner, hosted by South African hedge fund manager Peregrine Capital, was a celebration of the sport, set against the backdrop of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, which reignites a century-old rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks. Last week, New Zealand scored five tries to beat South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park and take a 1-0 lead in the four-Test series.

Addressing a captivated audience, Carter noted that the Springboks, a team renowned for their resilience and tactical prowess, will emerge as an even greater threat following their loss. “Historically, the Springboks have a unique ability to rally after a defeat, and they will be at their most dangerous now,” he noted ahead of Saturday’s Test in Green Point.

The evening’s atmosphere was electrified by the impromptu Q&A session led by Leigh Hamilton, a former Scottish rugby union player with 63 international caps. Hamilton expertly navigated the conversation, prompting reflections from the two All Black centurions, who shared anecdotes from their storied careers. Their camaraderie shone through as they reminisced about their own fierce battles on the pitch.

McCaw echoed Carter’s sentiments, emphasising the unpredictable nature of rugby and how a single match can rejuvenate a team’s spirit.

“The pressure is on, but that’s when you often see the true character of a team,” he remarked, while reminiscing about the intensity of past encounters with the Springboks.

The evening’s blend of insights, laughter, and reflection celebrated not only the legacies of these rugby icons but also ignited anticipation for the next chapter in the Springboks’ journey. As the team prepares for their next match, Carter’s warning looms large: expect the unexpected.

Carter offered a nuanced perspective on the world champions and their playmaking depth. The duo also offered an analysis of recent test rugby performances, team expectations, and tactical insights regarding international matches.

Peregrine Capital brought together six Springbok Rugby Centurions and two All Black Centurions to celebrate the players who have reached the rare milestone of 100 international caps.

The Springbok Centurions included Percy Montgomery, John Smit, Victor Matfield, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers and Willie le Roux, and All Black Centurions Dan Carter and Richie McCaw.

During the evening, Peregrine Capital and the Centurions handed over a combined R500,000 to two charitable causes: R250,000 to the Chris Burger Petro Jackson Players’ Fund, accepted by Jean de Villiers in his capacity as the Fund’s Chairman, and R250,000 to Get into Rugby South Africa, accepted by Angelique Naude, in support of the grassroots programme that safely introduces children to the sport.

Jacques Conradie, CEO of Peregrine Capital, says: “A year in, this partnership has become exactly what we hoped it would be — not a single campaign, but an ongoing way of showing what it takes to compound success over time, on the field and in the market.

“We’re proud to keep building on it with new events, new content series and new Centurions joining us in the months ahead.”

Danni Dixon, Chief Marketing at Peregrine Capital, says: “Seeing six Springbok Centurions and two All Black greats share a stage at Zeitz MOCAA was a genuinely special moment for our clients and for our brand.

“We’re proud of what the evening raised for both charities, and we can’t wait for South Africa to see more of it when it airs on SuperSport in October.”