The main rugby nations from the Southern Hemisphere are Australia (Wallabies), New Zealand (All Blacks) and South Africa (Springboks).

Since rugby internationals have been played it is these three teams who have enjoyed the greatest success over their Northern Hemisphere counterparts. New Zealand have arguably been the best rugby team overall since internationals have been played, but all three Southern Hemisphere teams have won the Rugby World Cup.

Fierce Sporting Rivalry

Australia and New Zealand first played each other in 1903, 20 years after the Home International Championship had begun in the Northern Hemisphere. Then, in 1921, South Africa toured Australia and New Zealand after which the three nations met regularly without the structure of an official competition.

However, since 1931 or 1932 (depending on whose version you choose), the Bledisloe Cup has been the trophy contested for between Australia and New Zealand.

It wasn't long after South Africa were admitted back into the sporting world that a consortium, SANZAR, from the three unions of South Africa, New Zealand and Australia was formed. Looking for a competition similar to the Five/Six Nations, SANZAR agreed the Tri Nations tournament. The first one took place in 1996 with New Zealand being crowned as Tri Nations champions.

South Africa recorded their first Tri Nations win in 1998 and Australia in 2000. New Zealand have won the championship on most occasions.