Veteran New Zealand broadcaster Martin Devlin says he would “happily” accept a 2-2 series draw against the Springboks in next year’s historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Speaking on his DSPN podcast, he said such a result would be a major achievement for the All Blacks.
Ellis Park, Cape Town Stadium and FNB Stadium are confirmed as South African Test venues, preceding a landmark final Test to be hosted at a neutral international venue still to be confirmed. The tour will also see the All Blacks play matches against URC franchises.
Devlin said the All Blacks’ recent inconsistency, combined with the challenge of playing South Africa on consecutive weekends, as well as two Tests at altitude, makes the assignment one of the toughest in modern All Blacks history.
“It feels strange saying it as an All Blacks fan, but I’d happily take a drawn four-Test series with South Africa next year,” he said. “If you offered me 2-2 today, I’d bank it without hesitation. Given the current circumstances, finishing level with the Boks wouldn’t be a disappointment – it would be a triumph.”
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Devlin argued that navigating four consecutive Tests against the world champions demands a squad stacked with “25 world-class players” who are hardened, experienced and capable of going toe-to-toe with the Springboks physically and mentally.
“After the loss to England, I’ve got doubts we have that depth right now,” he added. “There are holes in the squad – big holes – and that’s the challenge facing the All Blacks.”
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures:
Friday, 7 August: vs Stormers, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Tuesday, 11 August: vs Sharks, Kings Park, Durban
Saturday, 15 August: vs Vodacom Bulls, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Saturday, 22 August: vs Springboks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Tuesday, 25 August: vs Lions, Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Saturday, 29 August: vs Springboks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Saturday, 5 September: vs Springboks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 12 September: vs Springboks (venue to be announced)
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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