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

New Zealand and South Africa, two top-ranked rugby nations, are set to embark on a historic tour that could mark a new chapter in the sport's history. The Springboks are the world champions, having previously won the Rugby World Cup four times, while the All Blacks took back-to-back titles in 2011 and 2015. However, the competitive landscape has shifted, with New Zealand now seeking to create a financially successful tour that could rival the lucrative British and Irish Lions tours.

The tour, dubbed the "Greatest Rivalry," will feature three official Test matches in South Africa, with a fourth game in Baltimore, marking the first Test between the two rivals on American soil. This comes at a time when New Zealand's Super Rugby Pacific model is facing financial strain, with all five New Zealand provinces being unprofitable over the past six years.

Despite the challenge, New Zealand head coach Rassie Erasmus faces the daunting task of preparing his team for the 2027 World Cup, with South Africa also in strong form. A win in this historic series would provide valuable preparation for both teams and likely attract global attention, further cementing the growing importance of this rivalry in the world of rugby union.