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New Zealand rugby faces challenges as legendary All Blacks coach Sir Steven Hansen laments the absence of South African teams in Super Rugby. This shift has raised concerns about the quality of competition, but Hansen insists the standard remains high.
He emphasizes that great players in New Zealand continue to elevate the game, proving that talent thrives regardless of the league's composition. While coaching Toyota Verblitz in Japan, he actively monitors Super Rugby Pacific, asserting its excitement and quality.
As the All Blacks prepare for Dave Rennie’s inaugural international season, Hansen views the upcoming Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour in South Africa as vital. This tour includes midweek matches against four URC clubs, providing crucial insights into player performance and tactical adaptations. Hansen believes this experience will refine the team ahead of the Rugby World Cup in Australia next year.
He expresses enthusiasm for the opportunity, stating, “Having a tour over there, we’ll get a good look at what they are doing.” With Hansen’s insights, New Zealand rugby aims to maintain its competitive edge on the global stage while learning from its historical rivals.
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