Bill McLaren was invited down to South Africa to cover this series. The All Blacks gained revenge over their hosts after losing the 1995 RWC Final the previous year in dramatic style, winning a closely fought match 23 -19 in Durban. This was the first test in a 3 Test series which the All Blacks won 2 to 1, and was the first ever series win by a New Zealand touring side. Christian Cullen and Jeff Wilson were the try scorers for the All Blacks. This was the first year of professional rugby and both sides had a galaxy of stars. Playing for the All Blacks including the two try scorers, were captain Sean Fitzpatrick, Justin Marshall, Ian Jones and the magnificent back row of Michael Jones, Zinzan Brooke and Josh Kronfield. South Africa had Andre Joubert, Joel Stransky, Mark Andrews, Gary Teichmann and André Venter.

The framed sheet has been signed by 2007 RWC winning captain John Smit and Bobby Skinstad.