All Blacks Challenge: Tony Brown on New Coach & Springboks Tests 2024
The upcoming international rugby season promises a fierce contest between the Springboks and the All Blacks, culminating in a historic fourth Test match to be held in the United States. Despite recent changes within New Zealand Rugby, including the unexpected departure of Scott Robertson as head coach, All Blacks assistant coach Tony Brown believes the challenge awaiting South Africa will remain formidable.
Brown addressed the media from Cape Town on Monday, , ahead of a season widely anticipated to be one of the most demanding in recent memory. The centerpiece of the year will be “The Greatest Rivalry” tour, with South Africa hosting New Zealand in three Tests throughout August and September. A groundbreaking fourth Test will then accept place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on .
The search for Robertson’s replacement is reportedly down to a final two candidates: Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph. Brown acknowledged the surprise surrounding Robertson’s dismissal, stating, “As it played out, it was very surprising that NZ Rugby made a change [by firing Scott Robertson]. They obviously felt that it was required.” Still, he emphasized that the identity of the new head coach will not diminish the intensity of the competition. “I reckon they’re looking at appointing a coach this week at some stage, and I only know as much as you guys. It’s obviously between Dave Rennie and Jamie Joseph, and they’re both quality coaches, both experienced at international level. And whoever gets the job, I can guarantee you the All Blacks will be very good this year.”
The 2026 tour marks a significant moment for the rivalry, reigniting a tradition of alternating tours between South Africa and New Zealand. This year’s iteration will see the All Blacks face off against South African franchises – the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, and Lions – in addition to the four-Test series against the Springboks. Confirmed Test venues within South Africa include Ellis Park (Johannesburg), DHL Stadium (Cape Town), and FNB Stadium (Johannesburg). The selection of Baltimore as the host city for the fourth Test represents a strategic move to expand the game’s reach within the United States, a nation poised to host the Rugby World Cup in 2031 (men’s) and 2033 (women’s).
The decision to bring the rivalry to the U.S. Reflects a collaborative effort between SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby, and World Rugby to cultivate a growing fanbase in the region. The Baltimore Ravens’ M&T Bank Stadium will play host to this landmark event, marking the first time this iconic rivalry will be contested on American soil. Both the Springboks and the All Blacks have previously played matches in the United States, with South Africa facing the USA in Houston in 2001 and Wales in Washington D.C. In 2018, and New Zealand competing in Chicago, San Diego, and Washington D.C. In recent years.
Meanwhile, within the Springbok camp, the future of assistant coach Tony Brown remains a topic of discussion. He had been tentatively linked with a potential return to New Zealand to support the incoming All Blacks coach, but those speculations were put to rest by Rassie Erasmus, who confirmed his commitment to remaining as the Springboks’ attack coach through the 2027 World Cup. Brown himself acknowledged Erasmus’s decision, stating, “I haven’t thought about it to be fair. I’m just going to get through these next two years. I’m fully committed to South Africa until after the World Cup. And what will be, will be. I just haven’t really thought what I’m going to do after the World Cup.”
The upcoming tour builds upon a century of intense competition between the Springboks and the All Blacks, a rivalry punctuated by two Rugby World Cup finals. The 2026 tour as well commemorates 30 years since New Zealand’s last major tour of South Africa, which culminated in a 2-1 Test series victory for the visitors. Looking ahead, South Africa is scheduled to embark on its first professional-era tour to New Zealand in 2030, continuing the tradition of alternating tours between the two nations.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer emphasized the significance of the rivalry, stating, “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 last year 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 next year, as we rekindle our friendship with our greatest adversaries.” He further highlighted the anticipation for the upcoming series, promising “more drama, physicality, strategy, and unpredictability in a rivalry regarded as one of the most intense in world sport.”