Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says the Springboks are open to the idea of facing the All Blacks at a neutral venue due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Springboks were originally scheduled to close out their Rugby Championship campaign with two Tests against the All Blacks in Dunedin and Auckland.

However, New Zealand’s borders have closed for the rest of the year as a preventative measure during the pandemic, which could lead the Tests to be played in Perth.

When the two nations do face off, it will be the 100th Test in a rivalry that began in 1921.

Speaking before the Springboks’ Rugby Championship opener against Argentina, assistant coach Stick said the world champions are not opposed to playing the All Blacks in Australia.

“We wouldn’t complain if we had to play the All Blacks in neutral territory because it is difficult to play the All Blacks in New Zealand,” Stick said.

“Playing in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience as a player, especially when you beat them there, but we’ll be grateful to play them anywhere.

“We’ll use that opportunity as best as we can because they’re a different team when they’re playing at home.

“You hardly see a green jersey in the stand when you play the All Blacks in New Zealand. That game is an important one from a historical perspective, so I don’t think it will make much of a difference if we play them in New Zealand or Australia.”

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