This is the unique story of a highly controversial tour of New Zealand players to South Africa in 1986. Containing action from four Tests and also behind-the-scenes glimpses of the people, pressure, politics and planning involved, it's and incredible piece of sporting history between two giants of rugby union - the 1986 Cavaliers Tour.
Following a High Court ruling the 1985 New Zealand tour of South Africa was cancelled. With apartheid still in place, it was claimed that the proposed tour was not in New Zealand Rugby Union's constitutional interest of promoting the game. A 'private tour', in which players could go as individuals without representing New Zealand, was hastily arranged. But, this too, was abandoned under the threat of legal action.
However, partly because a tour of South Africa was regarded as the ultimate challenge at the time, the issue would not completely disippate. And so, following various meetings with players, officials, businessmen and financiers, a tour was eventually arranged - the 1986 Cavaliers Tour. The Cavaliers were quite adamant not to be regarded as the All Bkacks, and wore a gold and black strip.
The tour comprised of 4 Tests, 6 matches against the leading provinces, Natal, Northern Transvaal, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Western Province and Western Transvaal, and also games against South African Barbarians and the Junior Springboks. The Springboks won the first Test by 22-15 but the New Zealanders fought back to clinch the second Test 19-18. South Africa then scored two lates tries and a penalty to win the third Test by 33-18. The final Test was also won by the Springboks, 24-10, but the Cavaliers were particularly critical of referee Keith Rowlands.
The Cavaliers Tour had been controversial to say the least. At times brutal on the field of play and off the field there had been many contentious issues too. The team from New Zealand had been beaten but their players had learnt a great deal...only a year later the All Blacks were crowned as the first ever Rugby World Cup champions. What a story.
It's all here, over two and a half hours of action and intrigue with two of the greatest rugby teams ever. Filmed and produced by South Africa's national broadcaster, this is a genuine collector's item which will appeal to rugby fans worldwide. Available now from the Sky Sports DVD Shop.