The All Blacks’ two home Tests against the Springboks look likely to be relocated following an announcement that New Zealand’s borders will be closed for international travel until 2022.
The Boks are scheduled to play the All Blacks on 25 September and 2 October at Forsyth Barr in Dunedin and Eden Park in Auckland, respectively.
But on Thursday, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern confirmed her government will only reopen the country to the rest of the world in January next year.
While nothing has been confirmed in terms of the relocation and/or rescheduling of those two blue-ribbon Rugby Championship fixtures between the two top-ranked teams in world rugby, Ardern’s announcement could lead to the All Blacks’ home games possibly being shifted to Australia.
Never change the DNA of what makes the Springboks world champions
The Boks kick off their Rugby Championship campaign against Argentina in Gqeberha this coming Saturday, while the All Blacks will play their second game of the tournament against the Wallabies at Eden Park.
Photo: Archive