Ahead of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series between the Springboks and All Blacks in South Africa, ex-Boks fly-half Naas Botha has called for international tours to be held more regularly.

There’s lots of excitement and anticipation amongst rugby supporters in the build-up to the All Blacks’ upcoming tour to the Republic.

New Zealand will arrive in South Africa this week with the All Blacks taking on all four of the United Rugby Championship sides ahead of three clashes with the Springboks in Johannesburg (twice) and Cape Town, before Baltimore hosts the fourth and final Test on September 12.

The men in black kick off their eagerly anticipated tour against the Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on August 7.

First All Blacks tour to South Africa since 1996

This year’s New Zealand tour is the first of its kind in 30 years after they last toured South Africa in 1996. On that occasion, the All Blacks were unbeaten in their provincial matches, winning three and drawing one.

They also clinched a 2-1 Test series triumph which was a momentous achievement as it was the only time they achieved that feat in South Africa.

The All Blacks and Springboks have been battling it out at international level since 1921, with the first official Test between them taking place in Dunedin and up until 1996, lengthy tours between these heavyweights of the global game occurred regularly.

In 2030, the Springboks will tour New Zealand, playing provincial sides in addition to a Test series. This format will alternate every four years.

Botha, who made 28 Test appearances for the Springboks from 1980 to 1992 and toured New Zealand with the Boks, is a huge proponent of the tour concept and wants it to become a regular occurrence in the Test arena again.

Although the Boks are set to tour New Zealand within the next four years, Botha wants it to happen biennially.

‘I love New Zealand touring South Africa’

“I just absolutely love it. I love New Zealand touring South Africa. I love South Africa touring New Zealand, touring Australia,” he said on his Drop In podcast.

“Even actually tour the Northern Hemisphere. Anybody can correct me, but I think the 1951-52 tour was an extremely long tour for South Africa in Europe.

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“And I think in ’37, the Springbok tour to New Zealand, I think that was also quite a lengthy tour. A big number of games played on that tour. We know time constraints at the moment (with) competitions, makes it difficult for a long tour.

“I also think I did mention, I would have actually loved to see either Argentina touring Australia or Australia touring Argentina.

“And then in maybe every two years, something like this should happen. In two years time, South Africa should go to New Zealand.

“And then in another two years after that, they might go to Australia.”

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Botha believes facing an international touring team will be a highlight for players who will not get an opportunity to play at Test level.

“Why I’m saying this is there’s so many fantastic rugby players, but they’re not all going to play international rugby,” he explained.

“And I still think of every single rugby player that’s playing at a certain level, it’s in his wish list to play against a international side.

“Now, the only way he’s going to be able to do that, is if there is a tour, otherwise it’s not possible.

“And that’s why you can always look at any British and Irish Lions tour, (it) will always be a big success.

“Why? Because that non-international player gets an opportunity and all his supporters and all that franchise’s supporters are actually getting an opportunity to see their team to play against an international (team).”

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