The series of matches between the Springboks and All Blacks, titled 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry,' unveiled an unusual trophy in Johannesburg on Wednesday. This trophy consists of two half-trophy elements connected by hidden magnets.
The trophy concept is designed to reflect the nature of the relationship between the two national rugby teams: they are characterized by strong independence and pride in their distinct identity, yet they are inextricably linked by one of the greatest rivalries in sports.
The trophy was presented by the captains of the 1996 series—Springboks standout Gary Tahimann and All Blacks legend Sean Fitzpatrick.
The winners of the four-match tour will take both half-trophy elements after the final match, which will take place in Baltimore on September 12th. If the series ends 2–2, each country will retain one half-trophy element.
SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer noted that the decision to divide the trophy was partly due to the possibility of a draw in the series. He stated that the agencies' task was to create a unique trophy that conveys the essence of the rivalry.
Oberholzer added that the development included the premise of dividing the trophy into two parts to symbolize the two sides of the rivalry, or that each nation could keep one half in case of an equal outcome. He also emphasized that since this is the eighth of twelve tours, comprising four matches, it seemed inappropriate to determine a winner based on an arbitrary criterion if each team won two matches.
This trophy is also a tribute to history, as the first two tours between the Springboks and All Blacks, held in 1921 and 1928, also ended in a draw.
The trophy itself is shaped like a blade of grass, symbolizing the experience of every athlete who has participated in this confrontation. It consists of two separate blades of grass: one represents South Africa, and the other represents New Zealand. Each blade separately demonstrates the uniqueness of the culture and history of the two countries, but together they form a single trophy.
Each blade, standing 65 cm tall, is made with high precision from solid aluminum and weighs 7 kg. The base, weighing 9.5 kg, is made from two different stones: black Pakoche from Aotearoa-New Zealand and green Verdite from South Africa. Artistic embellishments from artists from both countries are also placed on the blades.
The South African half is decorated with a work by Bonolo Chepape, whose layered patterns refer to community, culture, and shared experience, reflecting the idea that sporting greatness is never achieved alone. The New Zealand blade features a piece by Kereama Taepa, inspired by the Māori myth of the creation of Tane and Wiremu, two brothers striving for the same goal through different paths.
The design and creation of the trophy took a year, and it will participate in the competition for the first time when the Springboks and All Blacks meet at Ellis Park on Saturday.
