Springboks-All Blacks rivalry trophy unveiled in two magnetic halves
A two-part trophy for the Springboks-All Blacks four-Test tour has been unveiled, with the pieces joining through hidden magnets.
A new trophy for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has been unveiled ahead of the Springboks’ first Test against the All Blacks. The creation consists of two separate halves that connect through concealed magnets, forming a single prize for the four-Test tour.
The trophy was presented in Johannesburg by Gary Teichmann and Sean Fitzpatrick, the captains of the teams’ 1996 series. It was designed specifically for the return of tours between South Africa and New Zealand and reflects the separate identities of the two rugby nations while showing how closely their histories remain linked.
The winners will receive both pieces after the final Test in Baltimore on 12 September. If the series finishes level at two victories apiece, each country will keep one half rather than having the winner determined by another measure. This format is particularly relevant because four-Test series have been used on eight occasions across the 12 tours between the teams.
Each section is shaped like a blade of grass, an object shared by every rugby player. Strategy Creative of New Zealand developed the design with the two unions. The South African piece includes work by Bonolo Chepape, using layered patterns connected to community, culture and collective achievement. Kereama Taepa created the artwork on the New Zealand blade, drawing on the Māori story of the brothers Tāne and Whiro and its themes of rivalry, different paths and connection.
The base also follows the two-part concept. It combines black Pakohe stone from Aotearoa New Zealand with green Verdite from South Africa, while both blades were precision-machined from solid aluminium. The complete object only takes shape when the two national pieces are brought together.
The rivalry stretches back more than a century, with the first two tours, in 1921 and 1928, ending in shared honours. The public will see the trophy for the first time on Saturday when the Springboks host the All Blacks in the opening Test at 10bet Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Source: The South African — Sport
