Start of test series between Springboks and All Blacks, the biggest rivalry in rugby

After 105 years, the rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks continues to be considered the most significant in world rugby. When the 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' tour between New Zealand and South Africa was first announced, some critics dismissed the title as arrogant. However, it is difficult to surpass the unending drama that has existed between these two teams for over a century.

Although there are long-standing and exciting confrontations, such as England versus France or New Zealand versus Australia, the uniqueness of the All Blacks and Springboks matches lies in the fact that since their first meeting in 1921, both teams have regularly competed for the title of world champion—first unofficially, and then officially.

History of the Rivalry

When the Springboks first visited New Zealand in 1921, the series of three matches ended with one win and one draw. Since then, both teams have consistently been among the world's best, often occupying the No. 1 or No. 2 positions in world rankings. As early as 1928, series in South Africa were positioned as a contest to determine the best team in the world. This was true in subsequent series in 1937, 1949, 1956, 1960, 1965, 1970, 1976, and 1981. Even the Cavaliers sporting tour from New Zealand to South Africa in 1986 pitted the two strongest teams in the world against each other.

After South Africa emerged from international isolation in 1992, the countries played 37 matches since 1921. The Springboks won 20, the All Blacks won 15, with two draws. Then came the era of the World Cup, which began in 1987 and was created to determine the best rugby team on the planet.

The All Blacks won the first World Cup, but the Springboks did not participate due to South Africa's sporting isolation. When the Boks finally entered the tournament in 1995, they won the Webb Ellis Cup in their first appearance. Over the past 10 World Cups since 1987, Australia has won twice, England once, and the remaining titles have been shared by the Springboks (four) and the All Blacks (three).

Recent Dynamics of the Rivalry

There were only one or two periods when the balance of power in this rivalry could be reasonably questioned. Between 2001 and 2006, New Zealand defeated South Africa eight times in a row. Later, in 2016 and 2017, the All Blacks scored 57 points against the Boks twice. However, after Rassie Erasmus started working with the Springboks, the balance of power changed drastically. South Africa won five of the last six encounters, including the epic 2023 World Cup final in Paris. And in the latest match in 2025, the rugby world was stunned by how the Springboks defeated the All Blacks 43–10 on home soil in Wellington.

Interestingly, throughout the entire 105-year history of this confrontation, New Zealand traditionally held an advantage when visiting South Africa. However, the situation is changing this year. For the first time, the Springboks are playing a series against the All Blacks at home as clear favorites, expecting four matches as part of the 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' tour.

Preparation for the first match at Ellis Park next Saturday, August 22nd, promises to be thrilling. Questions arise: can the tight five of the All Blacks withstand the fierce physical power of the Springboks? Does New Zealand possess sufficient squad depth to remain competitive over four matches, especially considering expected injuries? Can the All Blacks find a way to overcome the suffocating defensive system of the Boks? And can South Africa cope with the high-tempo attack presented by New Zealand's athletic backline?

These questions will soon receive answers. The opening chapter of a new era is set to be written into the folklore of a rivalry that has defined the highest standards of international rugby for over a century. Calling it arrogance is your right. But the history of 105 years proves that the title of 'Greatest Rugby Rivalry' between the Springboks and All Blacks is deserved.

After two matches on South African soil, the All Blacks showed the Springboks that they are ready to adapt to any challenges posed by the great rugby rivalry.

In the first match, the teams secured a tight victory over the Stormers in Cape Town. However, on Tuesday, they displayed a completely different level of play, achieving a convincing 54-0 victory over the Sharks in Durban, despite extremely difficult weather conditions.

This result highlighted the team's ability, under the guidance of Dave Rennie, to adapt to circumstances. Despite the rain and slippery surface, the team maintained its attacking potential and also demonstrated an ability to win using a more pragmatic approach.

These actions did not go unnoticed by the Springboks' head coach, Rassie Erasmus, and his coaching staff, who closely studied the All Blacks' game ahead of the first test match next Saturday at Ellis Park stadium.

In the wet conditions, New Zealand's attacking power was not suppressed; their passing game was particularly impressive, as they repeatedly found space behind the Sharks' defense. The team's ability to recognize opportunities and change tactics in difficult situations will be another warning for the world champions.

The third and final match against the United Rugby Championship team will take place on Saturday when the All Blacks face the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. This match presents a different challenge, as the altitude will test the visitors after they have faced contrasting conditions in Cape Town and Durban.

Loftus, located at an altitude of approximately 1,350 meters above sea level, will provide the All Blacks with a final test before traveling to Johannesburg for the first test match. If they can overcome the effects of altitude and show another convincing performance, the New Zealanders will conclude an impressive three-match cycle against top South African teams in the URC.

More importantly for the Springboks, the All Blacks demonstrated across three very different environments that they are not preparing for the great rivalry using only one style of play. Although they intend to dominate the Bokke through their polished technique and high-tempo style, they can easily switch to a more measured approach when the situation demands it.

Regardless of the conditions awaiting them at Ellis Park, Erasmus will know that they will likely be prepared after these three encounters.

Ahead of the opening match of the greatest rugby rivalry between the Stormers and the All Blacks, scheduled for Friday evening in Cape Town, exciting battles are anticipated that could influence the course of the series.

In this tournament match, which is part of the opening round, experience will clash with youth. Although the home team will field several future stars, for other players this will be an opportunity to make the Springboks squad for four test matches against New Zealand.

The visiting team intends to give game time to its entire squad before the first meeting with the Bok team at Ellis Park, starting with the star-studded lineup at the DHL Stadium at 19:00 local time. IOL Sport analyzed five crucial pairings that could decide the outcome of the first match.

Clash of young talents and experienced veterans

John Dobson noted that young playmaker Yakin Ahmed reminds him of Springbok star Sachane Fainberg-Mngomezulu two years ago when he joined the Stormers. Ahmed debuts against the All Blacks on Friday.

Yakin Ahmed versus Bioden Barrett

This is a clash of youth against experience. A newcomer against a player who has seen much. Ahmed will wear the Stormers jersey for the first time, but his fearlessness and skill were demonstrated during the Junior World Cup, where he helped the junior Springboks win the world title.

Barrett is fighting for a spot in the All Blacks squad as a playmaker amid the emergence of Ruben Law. Although he will be playing against an inexperienced number 10, he knows that Ahmed will play without holding back, which could elevate Barrett's game while he searches for his rhythm.

Evan Russ versus Peter Lekai

Both players have much at stake before the test matches. Russ is currently not part of the Springboks squad during their tour of Argentina. The Stormers will require powerful drives from the eighth-rower, but his work rate in defense, especially in contesting the ball, could be key to building momentum for his team.

Lekai is also striving for a chance at the number 8 position. He will have the opportunity to present his case and accept the challenge of facing Russ and the Stormers' defense.

Stormers captain Ruhan Nel stated that there would be no pre-season training mentality against the All Blacks on Friday. He added that if they follow the team goals, including the Springboks' goals, everything else should fall into place.

Andre-Hugo Winter versus Samisoni Taukeahaho

Two strong hookers who will meet in an exciting battle. Winter has a chance to impress the All Blacks squad, which will test the set-piece strength of the Stormers. His performance in scrums will be vital in the center of two excellent props, but it is in the breakdown and with the ball in hand that he must shine to attract the attention of the Bok coaches.

Taukeahaho will strive to make a statement in a position where competition for spots in the national team is very high. Strong play with significant physical engagement and excellent ball-winning ability could put him in contention for a start against the world champions.

Connor Evans versus Patrick Tuipulotu

There is a vacancy at number 5 in the Stormers, giving Evans a good opportunity to establish himself over Jai Dikshikering. The young player suffered from injuries, but the early start of the new season against the All Blacks could provide a boost for a breakthrough in the URC campaign. His work in the breakdown will be critical, especially in mauls, but the Stormers also count on his physical strength.

For the experienced Tuipulotu, this is a rare opportunity to lead the Kiwis again and a chance to secure his place in the first test match. He will try to harass the Cape Town team in the breakdown, as well as with his physical play and excellent ball-carrying skills.

Seabelo Senatla versus Rico Ioane

Two former Sevens stars who haven't met in a long time will rekindle an old rivalry at the DHL Stadium. Senatla and Ioane were among the outstanding players on the Sevens circuit ten years ago, and their reunion promises to be thrilling.

The Stormers' wing needs a quick start after injuries that hampered him in the last couple of seasons. Ioane views this battle against Senatla and the cautious Cape Town defense as an opportunity to increase his value. He had a dip in form, but strong play in the opening match, especially with high carries and in attack, could bring him back into shape.

Team Lineups

Stormers: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel (captain), 12 Jonathan Roux, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Yakin Ahmed, 9 Imad Khan, 8 Evan Russ, 7 Hajiva Daimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Connor Evans, 4 Andre Smith, 3 Nitling Fosher, 2 Andre-Hugo Winter, 1 Vernon Matongo. Subs: 16 J.J. Kotze, 17 Ntutuko Mchunu, 18 Sazi Sandi, 19 Ruan Ackermann, 20 Keke Morabe, 21 Vandile Mlaba, 22 Dewaldt Duvenage, 23 Vandisile Simelane.

New Zealand: 15 Josh Murphy, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Rico Ioane, 10 Bioden Barrett, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lekai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukeahaho, 1 George Bower. Subs: 16 Asafu Amua, 17 Ollie Norris, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Sam Darby, 20 Ethan Blackadder, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jackson, 23 Kaleb Clarke.

Match start: 19:00. Referee: Karl Dixon (England). Assistant Referees: Matthew Carly (England), Holly Davidson (Scotland). TVO: Andrew Jackson (England). FPRO: Mike Adamson (Scotland).