Rugby's Greatest Rivalry: What happens in the event of a tie?
SPOTLIGHT: The Springboks and All Blacks won’t have to kiss their proverbial sister should the Greatest Rivalry Series end in a draw.
This is according to SA Rugby’s General Manager of Operations, Yusuf Jackson, who confirmed to SA Rugby Magazine that alternative plans are being implemented to determine a winner should the series end in a 2-all tie.
The Boks kick off their four-Test series against the old foe on August 22 at Ellis Park, before meeting in Cape Town a week later.
The third and final Test on South African soil will take place at FNB Stadium on September 5 before the two teams travel to the USA for the fourth and final clash at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on September 12.
Jackson said both parties confirmed they would like to have a winner rather than share the series, as the All Blacks did in 2017 against the British and Irish Lions.
“The question we asked both teams was, ‘Are we happy to shake hands in Baltimore and share the trophy?’ Both were aligned. ‘No, we want a winner’.
“We are exploring the various [tiebreak] options,” he said. “Being mindful of player well-being and match integrity, that could be extra-time or sudden death.
“All of that is being deliberated at this point.
“There are no plans for another match because of the schedule,” Jackson confirmed.
“The fourth Test will deliver a series result, if we go there.”
The article continues below…
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer shared his excitement about hosting the All Blacks in the Republic.
“This fierce competition between two very proud nations has delivered more than a century of drama on rugby fields across the world, including two Rugby World Cup Finals.
“We saw [in 2024] how much it means for Springbok supporters to welcome the All Blacks to South Africa, and we can’t wait to see them tour our country, as we rekindle our friendship with our greatest adversaries.
“This announcement promises more drama, physicality, strategy, and unpredictability in a rivalry regarded as one of the most intense in world sport.
“This tour will also mean so much for our four franchises and their players – facing one of the best teams in the history of the game – as well as their fans, who will have the opportunity to see their team in action against international opposition for the first time since 2009 [against the British & Irish Lions].
“We know the tour will be nothing short of epic.”
