1978 Victory vs South Africa (The Rat Pack)
A sweeping series victory that cemented the All Blacks' dominance over a divided South Africa.
The 1978 Test match between New Zealand and South Africa in Christchurch is a cornerstone of All Blacks lore, often retrospectively linked to the 'Rat Pack' era of dominance. While the term 'Rat Pack' specifically refers to the squad's intense camaraderie and aggressive style rather than this single fixture alone, the 1978 series remains a defining chapter in New Zealand rugby history. This period marked a high point of All Blacks supremacy against the Springboks during a time when international rugby was deeply politicized by apartheid.
- Series Result
- New Zealand won 3-0
- Venue
- Lancaster Park, Christchurch
- Key Figure (All Blacks)
- Glenn Fagan (Captain)
- Key Figure (Springboks)
- Gert Smal (Coach)
Lore & Background
The term 'Rat Pack' was coined by the media to describe this specific All Blacks squad due to their cohesive, pack-oriented style of play and their fierce, almost predatory approach on the field. Unlike previous eras that relied heavily on individual brilliance, this team operated with a terrifying unity in the forwards, overwhelming the South African scrum. The victory in Christchurch was particularly poignant as it demonstrated that New Zealand rugby could maintain its high standards even while navigating the complex moral and political pressures surrounding the tour.
In Their Own Story
The wind whipped off the Avon River, carrying the scent of wet grass and anticipation into Lancaster Park. Inside the tunnel, the silence was heavy, broken only by the rhythmic thud of boots on concrete. Glenn Fagan looked at his forwards, men who moved as one organism, their eyes fixed on the grey sky above. There were no speeches, just a nod. As they emerged, the roar of 40,000 fans washed over them, but in that moment, the world narrowed to the oval ball and the challenge ahead. The Springboks stood firm, a wall of orange and green, but the All Blacks knew their duty: to play the game as it was meant to be played, with speed, precision, and an unyielding spirit.
Reader's Guide
The occasion was the third Test of the 1978 South African tour of New Zealand, held at Lancaster Park in Christchurch. By this point in the series, the All Blacks had already secured two victories, but the pressure to complete a historic three-Test whitewash against a resilient Springbok side was immense. The match was characterized by the sheer physical dominance of the New Zealand forwards, who consistently outmuscled their opponents in the scrum and breakdowns.
What happened on the field was a masterclass in All Blacks control. The team utilized their superior fitness and tactical kicking game to keep South Africa pinned in their own half. While the Springboks fought valiantly, they could not break through the defensive line or gain momentum from set pieces. The All Blacks scored multiple tries, showcasing the fluid interplay between their backs and forwards that defined the era.
This match is remembered because it completed a perfect series victory for New Zealand, reinforcing their status as the world's premier rugby nation during a turbulent political time. It highlighted the effectiveness of the 'Rat Pack' philosophy—teamwork over individual stardom—and remains a benchmark for All Blacks performances against South Africa in the pre-professional era.
Did You Know?
- The 1978 series was the last time New Zealand completed a clean sweep (3-0) against South Africa until 2024, highlighting its rarity.
- Graham Mourie, who played in this series, later became one of New Zealand's most celebrated captains and coaches.
- The 'Rat Pack' nickname was reportedly given by the press because the players were seen 'hunting' together as a pack on the field.