The New Zealand All Blacks are set to embark on a significant tour of South Africa, a rare event in modern international rugby union that includes a proper Test series. The tour, dubbed the 'Greatest Rivalry' tour, sees the All Blacks face the world champion Springboks in three official Test matches. The first Test is scheduled for Saturday, with Dave Rennie coaching the New Zealand side in only his third match in charge.
This series marks a departure from the usual southern hemisphere international calendar, as the Rugby Championship has been cancelled to accommodate the tour. Australia and Argentina will arrange their own fixtures separately. Adding another unique element, a fourth non-official Test match will be played in Baltimore, United States, marking the first time these two historic rivals will compete on American soil.
The Springboks, who won their second consecutive Rugby World Cup title in 2023 by defeating the All Blacks in the final by a single point, currently sit at the top of the world rankings. They have also secured back-to-back Rugby Championships, establishing themselves as the dominant force in the sport. Their opponents, the All Blacks, are previous holders of the Rugby World Cup title, having won consecutively in 2011 and 2015. Despite a reversal in recent fortunes, both teams remain among the most marketable and recognizable in the sport.
The timing and nature of this tour are being viewed as a potential signpost for the future of international rugby union, a sport navigating an increasingly competitive global sporting landscape. The tour's format, featuring multiple weeks and a Test in the U.S., could offer insights into new possibilities for engaging global audiences and expanding the reach of the sport.