It is true that the government, and especially its rugby-loving sports minister Grant Robertson, have close relations with the New Zealand Rugby brass. Afternoon or evening games in Europe mean regular viewing time slots for South Africans, as opposed to morning telecasts from Australasia. Although rugby is underway north of the equator, the South Africans are only a few weeks behind. As reigning world champions, and Rugby Championship title holders, they have more to lose playing in a tournament distorted by the current circumstances. Look at the injury carnage caused by the intensity of Super Rugby Aotearoa.

Source: The Guardian September 01, 2020 17:26 UTC