 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 . 
