A new eight-game rugby series between South Africa and New Zealand has kicked off, reviving the format of extended tours not seen in international rugby for decades. The series began Friday evening with the All Blacks facing the Stormers in Cape Town, a match the visitors won 38-21.
This extensive tour features eight matches over six weeks, including four Tests against the Springboks. Following the opener against the Stormers, the Sharks, Bulls, and Lions will also host the All Blacks before the highly anticipated Test series. Two of these Tests will be played at sold-out Ellis Park and DHL Stadium, with the third Test at the 95,000-capacity FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. The series will conclude with a fourth Test in Baltimore, United States, at M&T Bank Stadium, an event intended to be both a financial success and a means to grow the sport in North America.
The revival of this touring format is a significant departure from recent trends, drawing parallels to the lengthy tours undertaken in the 20th century. The last time the All Blacks toured South Africa in this manner was in 1996. In the past 30 years, only the British and Irish Lions have toured South Africa in a similar format. Professionalism in rugby led to the decline of these extended tours, with calendars becoming increasingly packed.
For instance, the 1978 All Blacks expedition to Britain and Ireland involved 18 matches over three months, including fixtures against university sides and regional teams, alongside traditional international encounters. Matches against club and invitational sides became legendary, such as Llanelli's 9-3 victory over the All Blacks in 1972. These extended tours fostered a unique mystique around Southern Hemisphere teams.
The current series marks a break from the norm, leading to some disruption, including the temporary suspension of the Rugby Championship for Australia and Argentina. The competition is set to return in its traditional form, but South Africa is scheduled to tour New Zealand in 2030 for the second installment of this new venture.
The fixture between South Africa and New Zealand holds significant weight, with the two nations having won seven of the 10 Rugby World Cups contested. South Africa, as reigning World Cup champions, are considered strong favorites, while the All Blacks are showing signs of resurgence under head coach Dave Rennie. Rennie has selected a 44-man squad for the tour, described as a demanding challenge that requires the best from every player.
The All Blacks organization stated, "This tour will challenge us and demand the very best of us. We have selected a squad that we know is up to the challenge. It’s a balanced blend of experienced Test players and a cohort of younger players. We are thrilled for those players who will have the opportunity to pull on the All Blacks jersey for the first time, and welcome back those who are returning to the group." They added, "With eight matches in six weeks, including a four-Test series against the Springboks, this would have to be the toughest tour in rugby. Every player will be required to play their part across this tour, whether it’s preparing to play or helping their mates prepare."
While some may view this new series skeptically, its success could influence other unions to consider similar formats. The organizers hope this throwback approach will provide the jolt of excitement that international rugby needs.