All Blacks vs Springboks double header will be tests of the year: 'Rugby Championship is well and alive'

947’s Robert Marawa chats to sports journalist Mike Greenaway, and former rugby player Thando Manana.

Watch the discussion below (skip to 29:14):

All eyes are on the Springboks as they kick off their highly-anticipated tour to New Zealand. 

It will be all to play for in what some have dubbed 'the tests of the year.'  

RELATED: Springboks recall Jasper Wiese, but brother Cobus misses out

The All Blacks have not lost a test in Auckland since 1994, and the Springboks’ last win at Eden Park was in 1937. 

After four straight defeats to the Springboks and a recent defeat to Argentina, the All Blacks will be on the charge. 

“[Coach Rassie Erasmus] will want a combination of those 20 minutes of sublime attacking rugby in Joburg... combined with that more conservative, pragmatic approach [in Cape Town], where they pace themselves through a game and they don’t run themselves off their feet.”

– Mike Greenaway, Sports Journalist 

“The Rugby Championship is well and alive thanks to Argentina for beating New Zealand in Argentina.”

– Thando Manana, former Rugby Player 

While defending the Rugby Championship will be important, Erasmus has his eye firmly on the 2027 Rugby World Cup, says Greenaway. 

Over the last six games, there has been tremendous change within the Bok squad, an average of 10 changes per game.

This is because many of the current experienced players will most likely not be present come 2027.

"Rotation comes at a cost… we saw that at Ellis Park… but what we are going to see now is Rassie is going to settle down on a team."

– Mike Greenaway, Sports Journalist 

“Most of these rugby players are in their late thirties by 2027… the experience has got to have that youth exuberance… Rassie has to find that.”

– Thando Manana, former Rugby Player