Gary Teichmann backs Greatest Rivalry Tour as rugby's needed change

Former Springbok captain Gary Teichmann has welcomed the Greatest Rivalry Tour, describing the five-week series between South Africa and New Zealand as the kind of change professional rugby needs.

The All Blacks have arrived in South Africa for a tour designed to revive the feel of rugby’s traditional long visits. It will feature four Tests, although it is considerably shorter than the old tours, which lasted about three months and included more than 20 matches.

Teichmann and former New Zealand captain Sean Fitzpatrick unveiled the tour’s trophy on Wednesday. Teichmann said the format should benefit players by offering something outside the established competition structure, while also noting the strong public interest surrounding the series.

He expects New Zealand to pose a serious challenge across the four Tests, but believes South Africa’s depth gives the Springboks an advantage. Teichmann said coach Rassie Erasmus had prepared for the demands of the tour and had enough quality players to field a strong side, a second team and roughly another half-strength squad.

The opening Test will be played at Ellis Park, a venue where New Zealand has produced good results against South Africa. Teichmann still expects the Springboks to prevail over the full series and has backed them to win 3-1.

He plans to attend the opening match and support South Africa, praising the current Springbok side for the success and enjoyment it has brought to the country. The tour’s format, built around a concentrated stay and four Tests, represents a departure from the regular Rugby Championship schedule while retaining the rivalry at its centre.