 In 1937, South Africa toured New Zealand and decisively won the test series despite losing the first test; this 1937 South African team has been described as the best team ever to leave New Zealand. It was not until 1949 that New Zealand next played the Springboks when they toured South Africa with Fred Allen as captain. Although each test against South Africa was very close, New Zealand lost the series 4 – 0. As part of the tour, a contingent of 26 All Blacks travelled to Rhodesia for two non-test exhibition matches. The Rhodesia side beat the All Blacks 10 – 8 in Bulawayo, and then drew 3 – 3 in the follow up match in Salisbury.
