Jamie Joseph: Why South Africa Is Rugby's Ultimate Test

The opening match of the All Blacks' South Africa tour marked a memorable occasion for the Highlanders. Soon to be Highlander Josh Jacomb made an impressive debut off the bench against the Stormers, while Fabian Holland returned to international rugby in the No. 4 jersey after a lengthy injury lay-off, looking right at home. 

For Highlanders Head Coach Jamie Joseph, there are few greater challenges in world rugby than touring South Africa. Having experienced it firsthand, he believes there is no better environment for young players like Jacomb to accelerate their development, while also providing the ultimate test for established internationals such as Holland and Ethan de Groot. 

“It's a mecca for a rugby player. People think New Zealand is rugby mad. I always felt that South Africa is another level” 

Joseph's perspective comes from firsthand experience. As a member of the All Blacks squad at the 1995 Rugby World Cup in South Africa, he understands why the country is regarded as one of rugby's toughest destinations. 

"They do everything they can to make you feel welcome and then they do everything they can as a rugby player to make it as hard as possible to win the Test match." 

Joseph says South Africa's reputation as one of rugby's toughest destinations is well deserved. 

"All the stories, all the fairy tales that you hear... they're all true." 

For Josh Jacomb, the challenge of touring South Africa is heightened by the responsibility that comes with playing first five for the All Blacks. It presents the perfect opportunity to continue his development in one of rugby's most demanding environments. 

“It's a difficult position 1st 5/8.  And then leading the All Black forward pack and controlling the game and everything that his job and his role entails, it's not an easy task.” 

Joseph believes Jacomb’s All Blacks selection validates the qualities that attracted the Highlanders to the young first five. 

“The potential that we see in Josh, has been seen by the All Black coaches and they see this tour as the kind of tour that would be the perfect tour really, to accelerate his development.”  

While Jacomb's debut marks an exciting milestone, Joseph is equally excited to watch the Highlanders contingent continue to test themselves in South Africa, with Fabian Holland, Ethan de Groot and Timoci Tavatavanawai  all embracing one of rugby’s greatest challenges.  

"I'm looking forward to watching a few of our boys up there and stepping up—guys like Josh, Jim, Fabian back to rugby, and Grooter. I'm looking forward to the challenge and the many stories that will come out of the tour." 

Ethan de Groot and Timoci Tavatavanawai have been named to play against the Sharks on Wednesday morning 5:00AM NZT.  

ENDS