The All Blacks' stand-in captain, Codie Taylor, shared his anticipation and expectations as his team prepares to face South Africa's United Rugby Championship (URC) teams. The warm reception at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town kicked off their tour, setting a vibrant tone for the upcoming games.
Taylor, while reminiscing about previous encounters, particularly a gripping match against the Stormers in 2019 which ended in a 19-19 draw, expressed his enthusiasm for the challenges that lie ahead in this series. He discussed the unique style of rugby played by the South African teams, which he finds distinct and challenging compared to the games back home.
"It sucks not being able to come over here for Super Rugby. I used to love these tours, love the contest that we have against all the clubs,"
The narrative of international rugby took a sharp turn post-2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic disrupted the global sports calendar. This led to a significant reconfiguration in rugby leagues, with New Zealand and Australia crafting their competitions, while South African teams joined the URC and also got an entry into the European Champions Cup.
Despite the geographical and competitive separation induced by these changes, Taylor's nostalgia for the old Super Rugby days is palpable. He remains hopeful for future integrations or encounters that might revive some of the old rivalries.
"You know, we drew so the competitiveness is always there, even though we don’t play each other a lot. It is what it is, and hey, who knows? Maybe one day it’ll be happening again."
Unfortunately, Taylor revealed that he would likely miss the opening match against the Stormers due to a minor calf injury suffered during the Nations Championship victory against Ireland. However, he reassured fans of his quick recovery and readiness to join the fray soon.
While Taylor steps up as the temporary captain in the absence of Ardie Savea, he expressed his privilege and excitement to lead the team. Savea is on a well-deserved break, having played continuously since early 2025.
"I'm just taking that role while Ardie isn't here, and it's a huge privilege to lead good men like we have," Taylor remarked, acknowledging the temporary nature of his leadership and his anticipation for Savea's return.
The conversation around the team's dynamics and the leadership roles highlights the camaraderie and the rotational responsibility within the squad, underscoring the depth and resilience ingrained in their team culture.
As the All Blacks gear up for a rigorous schedule that includes facing all four of South Africa’s URC teams and the Springboks, the mixture of excitement and strategic planning is palpable. The upcoming games not only promise high-octane rugby action but also a test of adaptability and endurance for the team.
The All Blacks' tour will undoubtedly be a showcase of top-tier rugby, blending the traditional rivalry with modern strategic elements, making it a spectacle for rugby enthusiasts around the globe. With Taylor at the helm, at least temporarily, the team looks poised to deliver memorable performances against some of the best teams in the world.
