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Pursuing what would be just a fifth 'Grand Slam' in their illustrious legacy, the New Zealand side have embarked on their tour at an crucial period.

Games against Ireland, the Scottish side, the English squad and Wales await the All Blacks across the next four weekends but, in addition to the chance to join the teams of previous successful tours in the annals of rugby, the games will be used as a yardstick to evaluate the improvement of the side under a manager now well established from beginning his tenure.

Current Challenges

Concerns over a shortage of an clear playing identity, continuing controversies over team picks and departures from the coaching ticket have all fueled the sense that the most recognisable team in the sport is currently one in a time of change.

Most importantly, it is the decline in results from a past excellence set between the World Cups of the last decade that has prompted some to suggest that we have transitioned away of the period of Kiwi superiority.

Team Record

Ahead of their travel for the European tour, it was revealed that next year, in the non-existence of the Rugby Championship, the All Blacks will play the Springboks in a warm-weather tour termed 'a unique competition'.

Historically the game's two strongest sides, there is clear agreement over who has currently outperformed of what marketers have labeled 'The Ultimate Contest'.

During the last decade, the Springboks have claimed a two of global tournaments, three southern hemisphere titles and a tour against the British and Irish Lions to be viewed as the squad of their period.

New Zealand have continued to beat the Irish team when it matters most, overcoming this weekend's rivals in the World Cup quarter finals of recent years. They have, meanwhile, lost just a pair of the last fixtures with the English team, have beaten the Welsh side in each game since 1963 and have never suffered defeat by the Scottish team.

Changing Dynamics

But the diminishment of their status as the sport's measure of excellence will remain frustrating.

Although the New Zealand team reigned supreme through the 2010s - winning 87% of their international games, as well as winning the global trophy on multiple times - the global tournament of the previous competition can now be seen as when the hierarchical structure moved in the international rugby.

New Zealand beat the Springboks in their opening match of the championship in the host nation, but it was the South Africans who were ultimately triumphant in the championship match.

Since then, the New Zealand's victory ratio has dropped to seventy-one percent. The Springboks themselves were defeated in 10 of their following games but, from the beginning of 2023, have achieved victory at a percentage (83%) to compete with even the previous All Blacks side.

Direct Competition

Throughout the comparable duration, the South African team have secured victory in five of the seven meetings between the opponents, featuring success in the 2023 World Cup final.

While securing their most recent continental championship, South Africa inflicted a record 43-10 defeat on the All Blacks courtesy of dominant performance in their home ground, a result which has ignited another series of controversy about the development of the team under Robertson.

Maybe most troubling for supporters of the New Zealand team will be that, allied to their usual power, South Africa's success has come with an offensive flair more usually associated with their traditional rivals.

Style Evolution

When the All Blacks were at the peak of their abilities in previous eras, they were a ruthless counter-attacking unit able of destroying rivals from any part of the pitch and at any point of the game.

Today, their offensive approach is less defined as their leader, who has given numerous first caps during his two years in charge, tries to primarily create the basic core elements of a competitive squad.

It has previously announced that the backroom staff member overseeing scoring, Jason Holland, will exit the team after the fall series, making him the next individual of Robertson's ticket to exit after previous staff member departed last year after just five Tests.

Expectations vs Reality

It was not merely his winning record, but his approach, that was predicted to carry over from previous club when he assumed control after the recent tournament but, as yet, the two aspects remain a ongoing development.

Business Factors

Following private equity firm the company acquired shares in New Zealand rugby in the past, the subsequent announcement mentioned the "quest of new global opportunities" for the organization.

That goal has perhaps been more challenging by the shortage of a international celebrity. Ardie Savea and the trio of Barrett brothers continue to be well-known figures in the sport, but the spread of stars has expanded significantly. Savea is the only All Black to receive World Player of the Year in the past six seasons, in contrast to ten awards in 13 years between previous generations.

Worldwide Reach

Rather, attempts have been made to transplant the New Zealand team into emerging regions.

The initial stage of this northern hemisphere series brings the All Blacks not to the Irish capital but the American city, a return to the stadium where Ireland obtained a landmark success in the match during past tours.

Following the relaxation of health protocols, the All Blacks have additionally