What have these rugby series got in common?
1
Before the advent of the Rugby Championship / Tri Nations etc. there were a lot of 3 or 4 test series in the 1970s and 80s. And there was almost an inevitable pattern to them.
Here are some exhibits.
New Zealand in South Africa 1970
The Lions in New Zealand 1971
New Zealand in Australia 1974 *
New Zealand in South Africa 1976
The Lions in New Zealand 1977
New Zealand in Australia 1980
New Zealand v the Barbed Wire Boks 1981
New Zealand v Australia 1982
New Zealand in Australia 1984
Even the bloody Cavaliers 1986
Australia in New Zealand 1986
New Zealand in Australia 1988 *
The Lions in New Zealand 1993
The Lions in New Zealand 2017
In most of those other years there were no proper tours.
* Almost
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I’m in pedant mode. First off, I’m claiming my non-twitter victory!!! I already mailed GB about his question Fri evening.
Secondly, whoever reminded GB about the ’84 series has put him crook- The ABs took out the series after losing the FIRST test in Sydney, 9-16- featuring a gentle push near the end from Allan Hewson in helping Moon score in the left corner. All Blacks took out the second on Ballymore and Steve Pokere got a try in the win. A great backs-to-the -wall win because they had to come back from 0-12 down.