Why Fitzpatrick rates Springboks series win above Rugby World Cup triumph
Former All Blacks captain Sean Fitzpatrick rates New Zealand’s historic 1996 series victory over South Africa above being part of the side that won the inaugural Rugby World Cup.
For the first time in six attempts, the All Blacks toured South Africa and returned with a series victory, claiming a 2-1 triumph and achieving what teams in 1928, 1949, 1960, 1970 and 1976 had failed to do.
The series was effectively secured when the All Blacks claimed an unassailable lead with a 33-26 victory in the second test at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria, widely regarded as one of the greatest tests of all time.
Fitzpatrick was among a number of All Blacks legends who have spoken to the Herald for an in-depth, feature on the significance of the All Blacks’ 1996 victory in Pretoria.
Fitzpatrick and Sir Michael Jones were the only two All Blacks who started the 1987 Rugby World Cup final and also played every test during the 1996 series, nine years later.
In 1987, Fitzpatrick was set to be the deputy hooker behind captain Andy Dalton. But after Dalton was ruled out through injury, Fitzpatrick started the pool matches, impressed the coaching staff and retained the No 2 jersey for the remainder of the tournament, starting in the 29-9 final win over France.
Thirty years on, the All Blacks are preparing for their first tour of South Africa since Fitzpatrick’s side made history. They will play four tests – three in South Africa and one in Baltimore – along with four midweek matches against United Rugby Championship opposition.
Speaking to the Herald from his home in London, Fitzpatrick, 63, explained why the 1996 triumph remains the pinnacle of his playing career.
“In 1987, [All Blacks coach] Brian Lochore said, ‘It’s your chance to be the first team to win the Rugby World Cup ever’,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We played six games, won six games, and we were the world champions and then back to work on Monday. We didn’t really sort of understand [the history], and there were Northern Hemisphere teams that didn’t want the World Cup.
“But in 1996, we knew exactly what we were doing. We knew the history and then to create that history was really special.
“As much as I loved winning the World Cup, ’96 would rate right up there with anything I achieved.”
The achievement was made even more meaningful given Fitzpatrick seriously considered retiring after the heartbreak of the 1995 World Cup final.
The All Blacks celebrate their series win over the Springboks in 1996. Photo / Photosport
He said a conversation with former New Zealand Rugby board member Kevin Roberts convinced him to continue, while the appointment of John Hart as coach reinforced his decision.
“We knew ’95 was a missed opportunity, and I was thinking of retiring,” Fitzpatrick said.
“Kevin Roberts said, ‘You have to come back here next year and be involved in the first All Black team to win a series in South Africa’, so that was the motivating factor.”
The All Blacks begin the series on Saturday against the Stormers in Cape Town, with the first test taking place on August 23 at Ellis Park.
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
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