The New Zealand All Blacks are poised to begin a rare multi-week tour of world champions South Africa, with the first Test kicking off this Saturday. This significant tour has led to the cancellation of this year's Rugby Championship, the southern hemisphere's premier international competition.
Dave Rennie, in only his third Test as New Zealand coach, will lead his side into the first of three Tests in South Africa. A fourth game, not part of the official series, is also planned for Baltimore, marking the first Test between the two rivals on American soil.
The tour, dubbed the 'Greatest Rivalry', is reportedly aimed at creating a product that can financially compete with British and Irish Lions tours. South Africa and New Zealand expect to generate millions in profit from this joint venture, with similar tours planned every four years, New Zealand hosting next in 2030.
The All Blacks have recently secured comfortable wins in tour games against South African franchise sides, including a 50-19 victory over the Bulls. Key players Will Jordan and Cam Roigard are expected to be fit for Saturday's first Test in Johannesburg.