The world of rugby is buzzing with excitement as a legendary rivalry is set to reignite! 🏉
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson reveals a surprising twist in the sport's recent history. The highly anticipated 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' tour between the All Blacks and the Springboks would not have been possible if South African teams had remained in the Super Rugby league.
But here's where it gets intriguing: the global pandemic inadvertently paved the way for this iconic series. When COVID-19 disrupted the 2020 Super Rugby season, New Zealand and Australia were prompted to rethink their approach. NZR's decision to establish a domestic tournament and later collaborate with Australia led to a shift in the rugby landscape.
This move left South African teams with no choice but to venture into the URC, a decision that ultimately enabled the 'Greatest Rivalry' tour. The Springboks' four leading franchises—the Bulls, Lions, Sharks, and Stormers—not only joined the URC but also gained access to the prestigious European Champions Cup.
Robertson's comments shed light on the unexpected consequences of the pandemic on rugby. He admits that the tour might not have materialized if South Africa had stayed in Super Rugby, emphasizing the impact of the northern move on creating this opportunity.
And this is the part most fans will love: the tour includes a four-Test series against the Springboks and midweek matches against South Africa's URC teams, reminiscent of the traditional tour format. It's a rugby enthusiast's dream come true!
When asked about the rivalry's intensity, Robertson didn't hold back. He acknowledged the rich history and political undertones of past encounters, making it a true spectacle. But he also hinted at a controversial twist, questioning whether the Australians might feel overshadowed by the 'Greatest Rivalry' title, given their recent intense matches against the All Blacks.
What do you think? Is the All Blacks-Springboks rivalry truly the greatest in rugby? Do the Australians have a point? Share your thoughts and let's spark a lively debate!
