‘Something we’ve never seen before’ – fans rave about new All Blacks series, Behind the Fern

As the All Blacks embark on their 2025 Northern Hemisphere tour, fans are getting a unique behind-the-scenes look at the men in black, both on and off the field.

The All Blacks are statistically rugby union’s most successful side and one of the most iconic sports teams in the world, renowned internationally for their on-field brilliance, which dates back more than 100 years. And in the Behind the Fern: All Blacks series, which is available free on NZR+ (and on YouTube), supporters receive rare access to this famous team’s inner world.

The series is following the men in black on their Northern Tour, capturing every moment before, during and after their 26-13 win over Ireland at Soldier Field in Chicago at the weekend.

And the series will be behind the scenes for the three games to come this month too, against Scotland at Murrayfield (November 8), England at Twickenham (November 15), and Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff (November 22).

With the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia looming on the horizon, this tour is an important one for All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson as well as the rest of his coaching staff and players.

The series captures it all – the highs and lows, the on-field battles, the off-field banter, and the camaraderie and culture that make up life on tour for the All Blacks.

The series has already covered the team’s three-Test clash against France in New Zealand, which the home side won 3-0, and their recent Rugby Championship campaign, where they finished in second position. Level on points with eventual winners and arch-rivals the Springboks, but edged out on points difference.

During the premiere episode of Behind the Fern: All Blacks, released ahead of the Test series against Les Bleus, there is a big focus on two All Blacks newbies Fabian Holland and Du’Plessis Kirifi, with the former receiving a phone call from Robertson to inform him that he has been included in the team, while the latter also reflects on his first call-up.

There has been plenty of positive feedback on the series on YouTube, with fans commenting after that first episode: “Brought tears to my eyes. Very emotional. So happy for the debutants.”

In episode six, focus turns to the eagerly anticipated clash against the Springboks at Eden Park, the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby, and where they are unbeaten in more than 50 Tests. Star back-row Ardie Savea is in the spotlight as he prepares to make his 100th Test appearance.

There are more positive comments on YouTube about the series following that episode, with a fan saying, “Props for the creative editing! That transition to Ardies turnover was awesome! Top-notch content. Helps when the boys do a job too.”

And in the ninth episode, Will Jordan celebrates his 50th Test appearance as the Rugby Championship comes to its conclusion with a Bledisloe Cup encounter against the Wallabies in Perth.

Meanwhile, Leicester Faingaʻanuku opens up on his journey back to the All Blacks squad, after returning to New Zealand following a two-year stint with Toulon in France, and there are wild celebrations from the players as George Bower scores his first-ever try as a professional rugby player.

Among the YouTube comments, viewers are full of praise for the show, with one saying: “Amazing mahi! Love the insight… it’s something we’ve never seen before! Refreshing to get to know these players on a personal level!”

Stream Behind the Fern free on NZR+, with no geo-blocks. Watch anytime, anywhere, on any device – register now and don’t miss a moment of the action.