Is All Blacks' tour of South Africa a new chapter for rugby union?

The upcoming rugby tour of South Africa by the All Blacks represents a significant moment in the world of international rugby union, potentially marking a new chapter in the rivalry between the two nations. This year's Rugby Championship has been cancelled to make way for the All Blacks' tour, which will see them play three Tests in South Africa, starting on Saturday, along with a fourth game in Baltimore, marking the first Test between the two rival teams on American soil.

This tour has been dubbed the "Greatest Rivalry" tour and is set to be staged every four years, with New Zealand hosting the Springboks in 2030.

Both South Africa and New Zealand are the current rugby union powerhouses, with South Africa recently winning consecutive Rugby Championships and New Zealand maintaining their status as the world's most glamorous and marketable teams. The financial incentive for this tour is also substantial, with both teams hoping to create a product that rivals the commercial success of the British and Irish Lions tours.

Despite the challenges, including the underperformance of New Zealand's domestic teams and the competitive loss of Springbok players in Super Rugby, the tour presents a unique opportunity for both sides to prepare for the 2027 World Cup. The series will attract global attention, potentially attracting sports fans beyond the rugby community.