Damian Willemse warns against relying on past successes ahead of Springboks vs All Blacks match

Jaco Pepwer, legal advisor to the Springboks, stated the team's complete trust in the officials who will officiate the matches in this greatest rugby rivalry.

The Greatest Rivalry in Rugby

The Springboks express full confidence in the referees appointed to conduct the four test matches within this major confrontation against New Zealand. The first three matches of the series will take place in South Africa: August 22 at Ellis Park stadium, August 29 at DHL Stadium, and September 5 at FNB Stadium in Soweto. The fourth and final match is scheduled for September 12 in Baltimore, and it will be refereed by Karl Dixon from England.

These appointments come amid discussions on new protocols for referees, which took place at the 'Shape of the Game' Conference earlier this year. Furthermore, World Rugby and trade unions are examining how referees interact with teams before major test games.

Pepwer believes they have the best referees and that the tour is under reliable control. When asked about the referees and whether staying in the same hotel as the All Blacks could affect the series, Jaco Pepwer, Springboks legal advisor, replied that they fully trust the professionals officiating the games, and they should behave as professionals.

He added that despite wins and losses, the referees were chosen based on their experience and performance over the last twelve months. According to him, they possess extremely strong character and will not be intimidated. They get annoyed when teams try to dictate how they should referee, as they have earned the right to be there and know the game well.

Pepwer noted that Matthieu, one of the referees, is a firm referee who decisively handles stoppages and is very resilient to negativity or cynicism, and that he is not swayed by the home crowd.

Moreover, Pepwer explained that the protocols for referee interaction with teams were not widely discussed at the 'Shape of the Game' Conference with World Rugby. However, he does not feel the need to raise this issue in the media. Nevertheless, Pepwer admitted that from a personal standpoint, having referee experience, he would prefer to have personal meetings with coaches and captains before a major test match to understand what each team plans to demonstrate.

He continued that his desire is a personal opinion, not criticism, and that other referees may have different views. He emphasized that the purpose of such meetings is not influence, but understanding upcoming events. For example, if Rasisi intends to execute a midfield maul, and the referee does not know about it, how can he prepare and make a decision at a crucial moment?

Pepwer concluded that they are working on this issue behind the scenes and will likely review it after this series, possibly making some adjustments by the end of the year, although this is not yet decided. He assured that they clearly understand the current rules and will adhere to them.

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.

Flyhalf Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has demonstrated an ability to change the course of play for the Springboks over the last few years. Amid the intensification of the main rugby rivalry, the emergence of the brilliant flyhalf Richie Mo’unga has attracted significant attention.

For two years, while Scott Robertson was managing the All Blacks, Mo'unga was in Japan, playing for Toshiba Brave Lupus under Dave Rennie. Mo'unga left New Zealand after the loss to the Springboks in the 2023 World Cup final—a match he nearly won for the New Zealand squad. Meanwhile, in South Africa, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was gaining momentum, whose play could resemble Mo'unga's audacious style.

It can be argued that since the last World Cup, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has become the Richie Mo'unga that the All Blacks desire. However, the 32-year-old player could not join the All Blacks due to an outdated rule requiring player residency in New Zealand for selection eligibility.

Mo'unga removed this obstacle by recently returning to Christchurch, where he played for Canterbury in the National Provincial Championship last week. The opportunity arose for him last week when Billy Proctor sustained an injury that ruled him out of the tour against the Stormers. Even before the doctor gave his prognosis, Rennie contacted Mo'unga.

Simply put, Mo'unga possesses a high level of skill. The All Blacks could not afford to leave him at home. Between his international debut in 2018 and his last match in 2023, Mo'unga played a key role in winning five Rugby Championship titles for the All Blacks. He also led seven Super Rugby winning campaigns for the Crusaders.

Naturally, Mo'unga will need to adapt to the current systems within the All Blacks camp. Nevertheless, he and Rennie have likely been in regular discussions since Rennie was appointed to this position on March 4th of this year. They also discussed many matters in Japan during the three months Rennie was still under contract with Brave Lupus.

Mo'unga missed matches against the Stormers and Sharks and is not included in the squad for the game against the Bulls this Saturday, making a start in the first Test unlikely. The only provincial match before this major opening fixture in Ellis Park will be on Tuesday against the Lions. Mo'unga might get game time in this match and then be ready to start the second Test in Cape Town.

However, a more probable and bold scenario is that he will be on the bench in the first Test. He is too good to be excluded from such a crucial opening confrontation in the four-match series. His participation changes the dynamic of the flyhalf battle. The Springboks possess the emerging brilliance of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the attacking instincts of Mani Libbok, and the experience and temperament in big matches of Hendre Pollard. Now the All Blacks can respond with Mo'unga, Ruben Law, and Beauden Barrett. This depth at number 10 could prove decisive, given the level of attrition expected from the four Tests between these two heavyweight rivals. Thus, we may see a clash between Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu versus Richie Mo'unga, Mani Libbok versus Ruben Law, and Hendre Pollard versus Beauden Barrett. That is a solid collection of flyhalves.