Are the ABs the most sought-after opposition by the northern unions?

Question

This year NZ play Wales, Italy, England, France and the Barbarians this year. The Yarpies play two club sides, Ireland, Italy and France, while Aussie take on the Grand Slam with a couple of midweek games.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Voters

One could go so far as to say they are the most sought after opposition in world rugby full stop. the simple reason being they are the only International rugby side that boasts a positive win / loss ratio over all countries played. It is this stunning record that makes them not only the team to beat but also the biggest draw card of any touring side, no matter what country they play in.
Opponent Played Won Lost Drawn % Won
Argentina 13 12 0 1 92.3%
Australia 136 92 39 5 67.9%
British and Irish Lions 38 29 6 3 76.3%
Canada 4 4 0 0 100%
England 32 25 6 1 77.4%
Fiji 4 4 0 0 100%
France 48 35 12 1 72.9%
Ireland 22 21 0 1 95.5%
Italy 10 10 0 0 100%
Japan 1 1 0 0 100%
Pacific Islanders 1 1 0 0 100%
Portugal 1 1 0 0 100%
Romania 2 2 0 0 100%
Samoa 5 5 0 0 100%
Scotland 27 25 0 2 92.6%
South Africa 78 42 33 3 53.8%
Tonga 3 3 0 0 100%
United States 2 2 0 0 100%
Wales 24 21 3 0 87.5%
World XV 3 2 1 0 66.7%
Total 454 337 100 17 74.3%

Source(s):

table sourced from wikipedia

Answer 2

Rhetorical question? Home unions have only beaten ABs NINE (9) times; Eng 6, Wales 3 (last in '53), Ireland 0, Scotland 0 so the answer resoundingly YES. Also BI Lions have only won ONE series from 11 (which they 'dine' on ad infinitum). The Baabaas won in '72 (again boring recitations ad infinitum). A stage play followed Munster's win - and a song; the Llianelli scoreboard is permanently set at 9-3 - again a song, etc . . . etc . . . Italy v ABs is sold out about 80,0000, our major NH opponent France has won 13 from 49 - they revere the ABs . . . . etc . . . etc . . .

Source(s):

All genuine baby boomer fans should know this stuff. Wikipedia also has stats.

Answer 3

The ABs is the team everybody around the world loves to hate because of the fact that no country in rugbydom has a winning percentage ratio over them. The northern hemis especially the home unions always say the ABs have lost their aura but statistics have shown England has a dismal record against the ABs, Wales hasn't beaten them in over a half a century and mighty Ireland and the Scots haven't recorded a win against them. They all want to beat the ABs up north but it's easier said then done Lol!!!!!

Answer 4

Regardless of who is Number one in the world, I think the All Blacks are the team everyone wants to beat.

They're the number one brand in world rugby and as such would attract the most people to grounds.

So in answer to your question, yes, in my opinion they are.

Answer 5

Richie has nailed it - I don't think it's that hard a stretch to say EVERY team in world rugby do not regard a victory against any other team as sweetly as beating the AB's...

...we are the yardstick all teams use to determine their progress and development...

...the only AB's game of any note is against the Poms...the others will be easy beat romps...30 pointers...

Answer 6

By all teams around the entire rugby world. Forget the rest; the AB's is the team all top non NZ players strive to play against; and the team all NZ players,of all ages, strive to be in at some time dyring their playing careers.

Answer 7

They may be playing, but really no one gives a rats about rugby in the northern hemisphere. That's why we win.