All Blacks Forewarned: Mexted Highlights Unrivalled Rigour of South African Rugby Tour
Auckland, New Zealand – Legendary New Zealand number eight, Murray Mexted, has issued a stark warning to the current All Blacks squad concerning the unparalleled challenges awaiting them on their extensive tour of South Africa. As the All Blacks navigate what promises to be a gruelling schedule, Mexted, a veteran of South African rugby, insists that the uninitiated will face a significant wake-up call.
The All Blacks commenced their “Greatest Rivalry” tour with a hard-fought 38-21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town last Friday. However, this was merely the prelude to a demanding itinerary. The team is set to confront South Africa‘s three remaining United Rugby Championship sides – the Sharks, Bulls, and Lions – before engaging in three high-stakes clashes with the Springboks in Johannesburg (twice) and Cape Town. The monumental tour culminates in a fourth and final Test in Baltimore, USA, on September 12.
A Tough Tour Awaits
Speaking on the eve of the All Blacks’ second tour match against the Sharks in Durban, Mexted underscored the intensity of the South African rugby environment. “They are fanatical, quite different from New Zealand,” Mexted told Radio New Zealand, emphasising the distinct passion and pressure that characterises rugby in the Rainbow Nation.
Mexted’s insights are rooted in deep personal experience. He spent two seasons playing for Natal, now known as the Sharks, and was a key member of the All Blacks squad that faced the Springboks in the 1981 three-Test series in New Zealand. Furthermore, he was part of the controversial Cavaliers side that toured South Africa in 1986. Though played in a different era, Mexted believes the fundamental spirit of South African rugby remains unchanged, and that current All Blacks on their maiden tour to the country will soon grasp its unique demands.
Mexted also shed light on the mutual respect that, surprisingly, exists between the two rugby powerhouses. “Sharks v All Blacks prediction: Springbok-shorn hosts to ‘make a memory’ and the contest that could have ‘genuine consequences’ in Greatest Rivalry series.”
‘They Like Us As Well’
“We’re probably the only ones they do respect. They have disregard for everyone else,” the 72-year-old asserted. “Sometimes I wonder if we can live up to the reputation we have in South Africa. We are revered in that country as rugby players. They like us as well, believe it or not.”
Mexted anticipates that all six of the All Blacks’ remaining matches in South Africa will be fiercely contested, particularly the three Tests against the reigning world champions. He expects a similar level of challenge when the squad travels to Baltimore for the tour’s finale.
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The Springboks currently hold the top spot in World Rugby’s official rankings, with the All Blacks closely behind in second. Given the formidable opposition, Mexted admitted he would be content with a 2-2 draw across the four-Test series, a testament to the magnitude of the challenge.
“It is the most competitive environment you can go to as a rugby player,” he concluded. “There isn’t any rugby team in the world that could go on this tour and win every game. This is the hardest place to go and tour.”
As the All Blacks prepare for the heart of their South African odyssey, Mexted’s words serve as a crucial reminder of the unique intensity and passion that defines rugby in this part of the world. The tour is not just a series of matches, but a true test of character against a backdrop of fervent support and historical rivalry.
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