New All Blacks coach: Springboks Tests just what we need!
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has said the two back-to-back Tests against the Springboks will present a ‘great chance’ for his side.
Last year it was confirmed that the Springboks’ old foes, the All Blacks – presently ranked number three in the world – will return to South Africa in 2024 for Tests in Johannesburg and Cape Town.
It’s undoubtedly doing to be an electric occasion as Cape Town is renowned for having a huge home base of All Blacks supporters, while the two arch-rivals have in fact not played in the Mother city since 2017 when New Zealand secured a thrilling one-point win at Newlands.
The date for this blockbuster battle is set down for 7 September at Cape Town Stadium.
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In a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, the All Blacks will face the Springboks on 31 August at Ellis Park, before the blockbuster battle in Cape Town, and for the first time at Cape Town Stadium.
SPRINGBOKS-ALL BLACKS PREPARE FOR ANOTHER EPIC BATTLE
Speaking after the announcement of New Zealand’s 2024 schedule, Robertson stated: “We are playing up on the Highveld at Ellis Park and then down to Cape Town. They are iconic Tests and I know a lot of Kiwis will be excited about that.
“It is a great chance to find out about ourselves against the world champions. It’s a chance to support us locally but also internationally.
“It’s also a chance to get behind this team and experience it with us, which is the exciting thing about it. And be proud to wear your All Blacks jersey no matter where we go.”
BUSY SCHEDULE FOR NEW ZEALAND
New Zealand Rugby has confirmed that the All Blacks will play 14 Test matches in 2024, including one against Pacific neighbours Fiji in San Diego in the United States in July.
The Kiwis start their season with a two-Test home series against England, with the matches to be played in Dunedin on 6 July and in Auckland a week later on 13 July. New Zealand then face Fiji on 19 July in the USA in the lead up to the Rugby Championship.