Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus says next year’s All Blacks tour will combine tradition with a modern edge. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
Rugby’s greatest rivals will add a new chapter to their storied history when New Zealand embark on the first tour of South Africa since 1996.
The All Blacks will play four matches against local franchises and a four Tests against the Boks – three in South Africa and one at a neutral venue. The Rugby Championship will take a one-year break to accommodate the historic tour.
READ: Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures announced
For Erasmus, the series represents more than just another blockbuster on the calendar. The Bok coach believes a traditional tour will reignite the human element that modern rugby’s tight scheduling has eroded.
“Tours are one of the best ways to really get tight as a team,” said Erasmus. “You spend so much time together, you get to know each other better – players, coaches, staff – and you even start to understand the culture and fan base of the country you’re touring. You get frustrated with each other, but that’s how you grow.”
MORE: Jesse, Ox ready for All Blacks invasion
Erasmus got his first taste of touring in 1996 as a young player in Andre Markgraaff’s Springbok squad, which embarked on a year-end tour to Europe. He only made his Springbok Test debut the following year, but says the experience still shapes how he views the importance of time spent on the road.
“Back then we were away for seven weeks. Even though the game’s far more professional now, I think most players still enjoy touring. It builds connection and team spirit, and it’s great for the brand too.”
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is reignited.
pic.twitter.com/J1WCrV2Bh9
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 16, 2025
The Bok boss confirmed the concept has been in the pipeline for over a year, developed in partnership with NZ Rugby, and stressed that the Rugby Championship will continue in the years that follow.
BEAUDEN: Ellis Park sends shivers down your spine
“We’ve known for a while that something like this was coming. Andy [Colquhoun, GM of corporate affairs at SA Rugby] and his team have kept us updated as plans developed. I didn’t mean to suggest the Rugby Championship was ending – it’s not. It’ll still run in 2027, 2028 and 2029.”
RAZOR: SA tour All Blacks’ toughest test
Erasmus compared the tour’s significance to that of the British & Irish Lions.
“The name ‘The Greatest Rivalry’ says a lot, but it’s not meant arrogantly. The history between us and New Zealand is incredibly rich – from the [New Zealand Cavaliers] rebel tour [to South Africa in 1986] to the flower bomb incidents [in Auckland in 1981]. This is not about saying it’s better than the Six Nations or anything else. It’s just a recognition of how deep and special this rivalry is.”
MORE: Sanzaar makes call on Rugby Championship
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post Rassie backs revival of All Blacks tours appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.