A majority Māori and Pacific All Blacks squad shows how far rugby’s ‘greatest rivalry’ has come

The upcoming Test between the New Zealand All Blacks and the South African Springboks marks a pivotal moment in rugby history, as the All Blacks squad features more than half Māori or Pacific Islander players, a stark contrast to the racial barriers that once defined their relationship. This weekend's match, set against the backdrop of a rivalry that dates back to 1921, highlights both the evolution of rugby and the broader social changes that have reshaped the sport. The All Blacks' 2026 squad includes over 20 players of Māori or Pacific descent, a figure that would have been unimaginable just decades ago. During the 1960 tour, only 18 of the 33 players would have been allowed to participate due to South Africa’s rigid racial policies. Today’s inclusion reflects not only progress in rugby but also broader societal shifts toward inclusivity and equality. The presence of players such as Semisi Ta’eiloa, of Tongan descent, underscores this transformation. The origins of the All Blacks-Springboks rivalry trace back to the early 20th century, with the first series taking place in New Zealand in 1921. That initial contest laid the foundation for what would become known as rugby’s greatest rivalry. The All Blacks subsequently embarked on a landmark tour of Europe in 1924–25, winning every match and earning the nickname “the Invincibles.” Among the standout players was George Nepia, a Māori-born forward whose legacy remains prominent in rugby history. Nepia’s career was cut short by the racial restrictions imposed by South Africa. Despite being a key member of the 1924–25 team, he was excluded from the 1928 tour to South Africa due to his Māori heritage. His exclusion was formalized by the New Zealand Rugby Football Union, which adhered to the apartheid-era rules that barred non-white players from participating in tours. This decision sparked controversy, particularly among Māori communities, who viewed it as a betrayal of their cultural identity. The policy persisted through several tours, including the 1949 visit, where the All Blacks lost all four matches. By the 1960s, public sentiment had begun to shift. The Citizens’ All Black Tour Association launched a massive petition, gathering over 150,000 signatures under the slogan “No Māoris, No Tour.” Despite widespread opposition, the 1960 tour proceeded without Māori players, reflecting the entrenched racism of the era. The situation began to change in the late 1960s and 1970s. A proposed 1967 tour was canceled due to the whites-only policy, while the 1970 tour saw the inclusion of a few non-white players, classified as “honorary whites” by South Africa. One notable participant was Bryan Williams, the first All Black of Samoan heritage to tour South Africa. His participation paved the way for future generations, including Semisi Ta’eiloa, who will make his debut in the 2026 series. The political landscape continued to evolve, with increasing international condemnation of apartheid. The 1976 Olympics were boycotted by African nations in protest against the All Blacks’ tour of South Africa, following the Soweto uprising. Meanwhile, within New Zealand, the issue became deeply politicized, leading to protests and even clashes with law enforcement during the 1981 Springbok tour. By the 1990s, the tides had turned. Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990 marked the beginning of the end for apartheid, and South Africa’s hosting of the 1995 Rugby World Cup symbolized a new era of reconciliation. In 2010, the New Zealand and South African rugby unions issued formal apologies for the historical exclusion of Māori players during the apartheid era. This acknowledgment represents a crucial step toward healing the wounds of the past.