Scott Robertson, the All Blacks' head coach, has made a surprising revelation about the highly anticipated Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour. He claims that this tour, pitting the All Blacks against South Africa's Springboks and URC teams, would not have been possible if South African clubs were still competing in Super Rugby.
But here's the twist: The departure of South African teams from Super Rugby, a competition they had been a part of since its inception in 1996, was a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on travel. This led to a significant shift in the rugby landscape, with New Zealand and Australia breaking away to form their own tournaments, leaving South African teams to join the URC in the northern hemisphere.
Robertson, when questioned about this scenario, admitted he hadn't considered it. He believes that South Africa's move to the URC has actually contributed to the creation of this exciting tour. And this is where it gets intriguing: Robertson hints at the historical and political significance of the rivalry, suggesting that the marketing tagline 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry' is more than just a catchy phrase.
He reflects on the intense history between the All Blacks and the Springboks, noting that the rivalry extends beyond the rugby field. When asked about the Australians' perspective on the upcoming series, Robertson admits he hasn't given it much thought, but he acknowledges the fierce competition with the Wallabies in recent matches.
A thought-provoking question: Does Robertson's statement downplay the rivalry with Australia, or is he simply highlighting the unique historical context of the South Africa-New Zealand clashes? What do you think? Is this tour truly a result of South Africa's departure from Super Rugby, or are there other factors at play?
