All Blacks loose forward Ethan Blackadder says Super Rugby’s lack of South African opposition has left the All Blacks short-changed to face the Springboks away from home.
Blackadder says the lack of exposure to South African opposition at club level was playing a part in the All Blacks’ struggles, made it clear where he stands.
He says generally, everyone misses the South African games and the tours and it is a bit gutting that it hasn’t continued, but when they do get the opportunity like this, which is rare, they’re testing themselves against the world champs, a team that plays physical rugby.
Of the All Blacks’ 23-man squad that lost the opening test at Ellis Park, five were playing in South Africa for the first time.
But in 2020, as the COVID-19 pandemic hit sport hard, New Zealand Rugby moved to go alone at club level, and formed Super Rugby Aotearoa which was held up as a success, but as time progressed, a lack of exposure to different styles has ultimately had a negative impact on the way the All Blacks have played.
With only Australian and Pasifika sides to face at club level, All Blacks match-ups against the physical, forward-oriented style have come at test level, where the margin for error is smaller and less forgiving.
On the flipside, South Africa’s departure from Super Rugby has seen them combine with Ireland, Wales and Scotland to form the United Rugby Championship, and also gain entry into the Heineken Cup to face the best club sides from England and France.
And given the success that move has yielded, it is highly unlikely South African teams will return to Super Rugby in any shape.
In the four years since South Africa’s move north, the All Blacks and Springboks have faced off eight times, and of those eight tests, South Africa have won five, including last year’s World Cup final in Paris.
The Springboks host the All Blacks at 3am Sunday in Cape Town.
Source: newstalkzb
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