All Blacks told to 'expect no mercy' as URC outfits baying for win over NZ

The All Blacks have been told to ‘expect no mercy’ as they embark on their first full tour of South Africa in 30 years.

Their eight-match ‘Greatest Rivalry’ trip will pit them against all four South African United Rugby Championship franchises and the local sides are chomping at the bit to take a swing at beating the Dave Rennie’s men.

The tourists will be welcomed at a special event at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Friday before opening their provincial programme against the DHL Stormers at the same venue next week.

With the Hollywoodbets Sharks, Vodacom Bulls and Lions also set to test Rennie’s side before and between the Tests, the chance to end a near half-century drought for the provincial sides against the All Blacks is quite the lure for the URC sides. Indeed, the last South African provincial side to defeat New Zealand was Orange Free State, now the Cheetahs, who secured a 15-10 victory in September 1976.

Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis insists the Stormers will be doing everything possible to create more history.

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“On behalf of the people of Cape Town, and every rugby-loving supporter in South Africa, I wish the touring All Blacks the warmest Cape Town welcome,” said Hill-Lewis.

“We love having you here in South Africa, and we are thrilled that you kick off your tour in the most beautiful city of them all.

“As far as I’m concerned, there is no greater sporting spectacle in the world than the Green and Gold against the All Blacks, and the excitement for rugby’s greatest rivalry is unlike anything we’ve experienced in decades.

“I also want our visitors to know that it’s nothing personal. Off the field we will be the perfect hosts and treat you like royalty, but on the field, you can expect no mercy, as our Stormers look to become the first provincial SA team in 50 years to beat the All Blacks.

“To everyone attending the Stormers and Springbok matches here at DHL Cape Town Stadium, may you have a wonderful time and cherish this historic occasion.”

The challenge facing the South African franchises is a steep one.

On their last full tour of South Africa in 1996, the All Blacks emerged unbeaten from their four provincial fixtures, recording three wins and a draw before going on to secure their first ever Test series victory in the country by two Tests to one.

For SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer, however, the rarity of the occasion only adds to the significance of what lies ahead for players and supporters alike.

“Most of the URC players weren’t alive when the All Blacks last appeared against a provincial team, which shows just how special this event will be,” said Oberholzer.

“It won’t be repeated here for another eight years, by which time there’ll have been two more Rugby World Cups and four Nations Championships, which underlines just what a unique opportunity it will be for provincial players and fans.

“The prospect of perhaps becoming the first South African provincial team to beat the All Blacks since the Cheetahs, then Orange Free State, beat them 15-10 in September 1976 would be a boast that would last for another 50 years.”

Adding to the occasion, SA Rugby has launched a schools competition designed to give each fixture a distinctive local flavour.

“The four selected winning schools will be given the opportunity to perform their war cry as an answer to the All Blacks’ haka at each of the four franchise matches,” SA Rugby confirmed.