New Zealand teams

NZ rugby would be better if South Africa teams were in Super Rugby

Covid meant New Zealand, Australia and South Africa played their own competitions in 2020.

In 2021 New Zealand and Australia played in house tournaments followed by a cross-over series, while South African teams decided to head to the Northern Hemisphere and play in the United Rugby Championship.

Robertson said the New Zealand teams, and by extension the All Blacks, are worse off without South Africa in Super Rugby.

He believes the South African teams are missed.

"I think more and more now."

New Super rugby format 'unfair' on NZ teams

Under the new 15 team format, which comes into effect from next year, New Zealand teams will play each other twice - home and away.

However, the change won't affect Faumuina as he's off to French club Toulouse at the end of the season.

The New Zealand derbies have been notoriously tough on players, with former Blues coach Sir John Kirwan saying they are the closest thing to a test match, but Faumuina says there's nothing they can do now.

He says there will now be eight really touch games a year.