0 lead may not settle the series for Dave Rennie’s side – Gregor Paul
This article discusses the confusion surrounding the structure of a four-test rugby series between the All Blacks and South Africa. The author questions the legitimacy of the series format and how fans should interpret the results.
Why it matters
It highlights the tension between commercial interests in international sports and the integrity of traditional tournament structures.
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A win for the All Blacks in Cape Town will make it 2-0 in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series and unbridled joy will be felt across New Zealand.
A win against the Boks, in South Africa – no matter when, where or what the occasion – is a moment to be celebrated.
But as much as the feel-good vibe will sweep the nation, so too will there be an element of confusion and uncertainty about how much to enjoy the moment.
This is the problem with a four-test series that is essentially a three-test programme with an adjunct in the US .
The organisers have effectively bypassed planning permission to build a heritage bungalow with a garish, unapproved extension bolted on and now no one knows quite how to interpret what they are looking at.
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