New Zealand-based rugby writer Liam Napier says the All Blacks will emerge stronger and more united from the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in the Republic.
Writing for the New Zealand Herald, Napier argues that clashes against the Springboks in their own backyard offers value well beyond results, pointing to the chance to build on the culture head coach Dave Rennie has instilled since taking charge.
“Rather than cast an eight-match tour of the Republic as a daunting, destructive task, Rennie’s All Blacks will instead embrace the challenge,” he writes.
“And for many reasons that go well beyond results alone, they will emerge as a better team.
“Whether it’s Rennie on the guitar belting out tunes, tucking into a South African braai or savouring a safari between games, touring will bring this All Blacks team closer.”
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The Kiwis open their tour against the Stormers on 7 August, before facing the Sharks (11 August) and Vodacom Bulls (15 August). The first of four Tests against the Springboks follows at Ellis Park on 22 August, with a midweek fixture against the Lions at the same venue on 25 August.
The Test series continues in Cape Town (29 August) and Soweto (5 September), before concluding at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium on 12 September.
Napier highlights the four midweek fixtures as particularly significant, given how few tier-two Tests remain on the All Blacks’ calendar this World Cup cycle.
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He suggests these matches allow Rennie to rotate his touring squad more freely than a congested Test schedule permits, while also easing player workloads and managing returns from injury.
Napier adds that facing the South African clubs will expose several uncapped or inexperienced players to a physicality unlike anything in Super Rugby.
“There’s no doubting or diminishing the toll this tour will take on the All Blacks … But as a chance to continually grow their game and unity, it will be invaluable,” he writes.
“Testing themselves against the world’s best, in the world’s most hostile rugby cauldrons, demands the All Blacks further improve.
“Iron sharpens iron. Where else would you rather be?”
Photo: Joe Allison/Getty Images
The post Kiwi scribe: Rennie’s SA safari will sharpen us appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
New Zealand-based rugby writer Liam Napier says the All Blacks will emerge stronger and more united from the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in the Republic.
The post Kiwi scribe: Rennie’s SA safari will sharpen us appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
