Coach Scott Robertson says the All Blacks' tour of South Africa next year will be a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" for players and fans. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
The All Blacks will return to South Africa in 2026 for their first full tour since 1996 when Sean Fitzpatrick's side became the first from New Zealand to win a Test series there.
Robertson's men will play eight matches on the "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" tour: four against local franchises and a four-Test series - three in South Africa and one at a neutral venue. The Rugby Championship will take a one-year break to accommodate the historic tour.
"I remember those 1996 Tests really well - Fitzy, Marshy [Justin Marshall] and a decorated All Blacks side doing what no one had done before and winning a series in South Africa," said Robertson. "It was an amazing moment in our rugby history.
"A seven-week tour with four Tests and a couple of franchise games is something unique. Watching how the [British & Irish] Lions managed their tour [of Australia] gave me a few insights, because we'll be doing something similar next year. It's a huge opportunity for both nations - and for fans on both sides - to see two great rivals go head-to-head again."
Robertson described South Africa as the ultimate test for any team.
"This tour has a real place in the global rugby calendar. It's a chance to test ourselves physically and mentally in the toughest environment there is. The timing - just before a World Cup [in 2027] - gives us a perfect opportunity to build depth and find out more about ourselves.
"The rivalry with South Africa has so much history - political, cultural, sporting. That's why it's called Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. It's more than marketing; it's two proud rugby nations with decades of battles behind them."
Robertson added that the move of South African teams to the United Rugby Championship had made the tour possible.
"Honestly, if the South African teams had stayed in Super Rugby, this tour probably wouldn't have happened. Their move north created the opportunity. The URC sides are strong now - full of Springboks and depth - so those midweek matches will be proper contests, not just warm-ups."
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All Blacks captain Scott Barrett said touring South Africa would be a "career highlight".
"The rivalry between our nations is huge, and I'm really excited about the chance to play the Springboks in a full three-match series. Any player in New Zealand aiming for this tour will want to be at their best. It's the ultimate challenge - a seven-week tour and three straight Tests in South Africa.
"Those Tests will be incredibly physical. You'll want to build form through the early games, then be ready for three very intense matches. It'll be brutal at times, but that's what it's all about: testing yourself against the world champions in their own backyard."