The All Blacks, New Zealand's national rugby side, are the most successful rugby team in the world. They have won the Rugby World Cup three times and they have a winning percentage of over 77% in international matches. This means that any team that plays the All Blacks is facing a very tough challenge, and even more so when playing them on their home soil. New Zealand is a passionate rugby country. The All Blacks are considered national heroes, and the atmosphere at a rugby match in New Zealand is electric. This can be a major factor in home advantage, as the crowd can really get behind the team and create a hostile environment for the opposition. And the All Blacks have a unique playing style. They are known for their aggressive running game and their ability to score tries from anywhere on the field. This can be a very difficult style to defend against, especially in New Zealand, where the conditions are often favorable for running rugby.
This Saturday (July 15th 2023) the All Blacks take on the only other side in the world that has won three World Cups, the national rugby team of South Africa, a.k.a. the Springboks. There is much historical significance when the Springboks play the All Blacks. The two teams have met 103 times over the years, and the All Blacks have won 61 of those matches, so that, combined with home field advantage, means they are certainly favorites to win this match. It is going to be tough for the visitors. In the city of Aukland itself, it has been 86 years and nine tests since South Africa last won there. It is also the site where the Springboks suffered a 57-0 drubbing against New Zealand in 2017. That score remains the biggest margin in tests between the rugby powerhouses. So, the Springboks will have something to prove, for sure, and can make history by winning this weekend. Over and above the historical significance, this match will be a good indicator of the form of these respective teams going into the World Cup in France starting in two months time, where both teams will be leading contenders for the title of world champs.
