Gary Teichmann predicts RGR series winner - and it’s a bold call

SPOTLIGHT: Former Springbok captain Gary Teichmann believes Rassie Erasmus’ world champions are perfectly placed to achieve what his own side could not – beat the All Blacks in a home series.

Thirty years after captaining South Africa in the famous 1996 series defeat, Teichmann has tipped the Springboks to win this year’s four-Test Greatest Rugby Rivalry series 3-1.

Back in 1996, the All Blacks won the test series 2-1 and became known as “the Incomparables” for winning a series in South Africa for the first time.

Teichmann joined former All Blacks skipper Sean Fitzpatrick in Johannesburg on Tuesday to unveil the new trophy that will be contested over four Tests between rugby’s fiercest rivals.

For Teichmann, the occasion stirred memories of one of the biggest disappointments of his playing career.

*Continues below…

The Springboks entered the 1996 series as reigning Rugby World Cup champions. Still, an outstanding All Blacks side, led by Fitzpatrick and inspired by players such as Jonah Lomu and Zinzan Brooke, became the first New Zealand team to win a Test series in South Africa, taking it 2-1.

“The series coming back obviously brings back memories of 1996,” Teichmann said.

“It’s not a record you promote as a captain, but the honour of playing in that series was very special. It was a great All Blacks side.

“There were fine margins. Overall, the series was decided by one point. I said earlier I wish there were four Tests in 1996,” he laughed.

“The difference now is, you know, you’re at the top of the leaderboard. We were probably in a bit of a different space, with losing Francois [Pienaar], who was so good in 1995, and a couple of other players.

“So, it was… it wasn’t easy.”

He expects a fiercely contested series but feels Erasmus has built the depth needed to handle four demanding Tests.

“It’s not going to be an easy task over four Test matches, but Rassie has planned ahead.

“He’s got a big base of really quality players. I think he can put together a strong team and another team-and-a-half of players he’s comfortable putting out.

“I think he’s in a very good position.”

*Also read: VIDEO: All Blacks rookie leans on veterans ahead of Ellis Park Test

Teichmann also believes complacency is the only real danger for the world champions.

“That could be a factor, but I think Rassie is that type of coach who won’t allow it.”

The former skipper welcomed the return of a multi-Test series between the two rugby giants, saying it is exactly what the professional game needs.

“I think it’s brilliant for the players. It’s something different, and it’s what professional rugby needs.

“We’ve had the same competitions for a long time. The public are very excited by the sounds of it, and I think it’s brilliant.”

There is also a touch of irony in where the series begins.

In 1996 the Springboks had lost the first two Tests (Kings Park 19-23 and Loftus Versfeld 26-33) but went on to win the third one at Ellis Park 32-22.

The irony of the current series starting at Ellis Park, also the scene of the 1995 World Cup victory, was not lost on Teichmann.

“I think Ellis Park has been good for the All Blacks against the Springboks,” Teichmann said.

“So it’s a good place to start.”

Asked if he has a little hope of revenge in the back of his mind, he was brutally honest: “Always hoping. Always hoping.

“And I’m certainly going to be at the game, shouting and supporting our team. They really are a phenomenal team. They’ve given South Africa a lot of joy, and I just hope that we can keep it going.

When he was prompted for his prediction, Teichmann did not hesitate.

“3-1 for South Africa.”