But it could also placate an increasingly discontented South Africa who, under the current format, shoulder the bulk of the travel demands. The Springboks play three consecutive Tests on the road each year, the most of any of the four nations. Australia, Argentina and New Zealand each play two Tests away, but the All Blacks are the only nation to host three home games in a row.

The "SANZAAR 2030 strategy" paper addressed the issue, raising the prospect of rotating home double-header matches against a single nation. That format might see the Wallabies host two Tests against South Africa, then play two Tests away against Argentina one year, before swapping the next year. It would not break up the Bledisloe Cup fixtures but it might delay them until later in the tournament.

Even in New Zealand, where rugby enjoys little competition from rival sports, there are signs a change-up would be well-received. Despite All Blacks coach Steve Hansen's assertion that the Wallabies "closed the gap" between the teams with last year's win in the third Test, the rest of his countrymen and women remain unconvinced.

Big travellers: New Springboks captain Siya Kolisi during a Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand last year Credit:AAP

"Australians are proud. They see themselves, like us Kiwis, as consistently capable of punching above their weight. In rugby, they are throwing tiny rabbit punches at our knees," was the assessment of Fairfax New Zealand columnist Duncan Johnstone.