The Tri Nations tournament involves Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. The three rugby giants of the southern hemisphere battle it out for the crown each year, playing each other home and away between July and September. Previously, the three countries had met less frequently, during international tours.

The tournament mirrors the Six Nations in the southern hemisphere. It may not match the history of the Six Nations, which was founded in 1883, but its supporters argue that it more than equals it in terms of quality and excitement.

Australia, New Zealand and South Africa have won five out of six World Cups between them and have dominated the top of the world rankings for several years.

Tri Nations matches have also tended to be staged on harder grounds and in warmer conditions, promoting a more expansive style of play than is often seen in Europe.

The All Blacks have dominated the Tri Nations since its inception, with nine victories from 13 tournaments. Australia's two wins came in 2000 and 2001 while South Africa last won in 2004.

The event has been expanded, with teams playing their opponents three times each rather than two, as a direct result of the tournament's television appeal. The Tri Nations has become a major draw right across the world.