Rugby: Why a trip to SA is better than Aus for NZ teams

Julian Savea of the Hurricanes on the attack during the round six Super Rugby match between the Highlanders and the Hurricanes. Photo / Getty Images.

The way the Super Rugby playoffs are shaping up, there could be a scenario where no New Zealand side has to travel overseas during the playoff run.

However, if one of the three remaining Kiwi sides needs to get their passports prepared, statistics show they're more likely to want a trip to South Africa than Australia.

In a finding which seemingly goes against the traditional wisdom held by the New Zealand public and sporting landscape alike, New Zealand Super Rugby sides struggle more on Australian soil than they do in South Africa.

Despite the lengthy flights, the physical South African style and the altitude, New Zealand sides have a historical 44.1% winning percentage when playing in South Africa, compared to just 39.7% when playing in Australia.

Over the past five years - where South Africa has arguably pushed themselves ahead of Australia to be New Zealand's greatest rugby rival, the winning percentages are even more stark. Since 2011, New Zealand sides have won 44.2% of games held in South Africa, compared to a rather dismal 33.3% success rate in Australia.

Unsurprisingly, the Blues trail the pack when it comes to success in Australia, winning just two of their 11 games played across the ditch since 2011. The Highlanders (2-8) have also struggled badly, as surprisingly have the two-time champion Chiefs, who are just 3-8 on their recent travels to the land down under.

In fact, no New Zealand side has a winning record in Australia since 2011, with the Hurricanes and Crusaders both sitting on .500 records, going 5-5 and 6-6 respectively.

New Zealand sides have failed to have a winning record across the Tasman since 2007, where they won seven of 10 games, and have triumphed in only 73 of 184 clashes played in Australia. Compare that to South Africa, where Kiwi sides last came away victorious on the season series in 2012, while winning 97 of 220 contests.

When it comes to playing in New Zealand, Australian sides are also tougher.

As expected, Kiwi teams have historically dominated all opposition when playing at home, but South African sides have predictably proven to be easier opponents, with New Zealand triumphing in 75.6% of clashes in Super Rugby history.

Although still often easily swept aside, Australian teams fare slightly better, with the five Kiwi sides winning 71% of encounters at home.

So far this season, only the Lions (over the Blues), Waratahs (over the Hurricanes) and Rebels (over the Crusaders) have been successful in New Zealand, meaning the Kiwi teams will have a powerful home advantage when hosting playoff encounters.

However, if forced to travel, South Africa is the place to be if you want a greater chance of success.