Cape Town has become the arena for some of the most intense chapters of the greatest rugby rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks. Matches held at both the historic Newlands stadium and the modern DHL Stadium have always been characterized by minimal score differences and incredible fan passion, with the All Blacks traditionally enjoying significant support in this city.
These five classic encounters in Cape Town reflect the best of the legendary confrontation, whether it was series-defining victories or dramatic one-point matches.
The Greatest Rugby Rivalry
In 2024, Springboks hooker Malcolm Marx scored the decisive touchdown in the match against the All Blacks in Cape Town.
1996 – Tri-Nations, Newlands (South Africa 18–29 New Zealand)
This match was not part of the All Blacks' three-match tour of South Africa, but it marked the beginning of a new competition between South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia. Thanks to the brilliant play of flyhalf Andrew Merten, who earned 19 points from kicks, New Zealand managed to come back into the game, overcoming a nine-point deficit twenty minutes before the end, to secure the victory.
2001 – Tri-Nations, Newlands (South Africa 3–12 New Zealand)
A dirty and tough defensive battle unfolded at Newlands amid heavy rain. In the match, dominated by constant collisions, handling errors, and tactical kicks, the All Blacks managed to win thanks to four accurate penalty kicks from flyhalf Tony Brown, who is now an attacking coach for the Springboks, surpassing the determined Springboks team.
2005 – Tri-Nations, Newlands (South Africa 22–16 New Zealand)
Under the leadership of Jake White, the Springboks demonstrated a defensive masterpiece, interrupting a long streak of defeats against the All Blacks in Cape Town. Through dominant scrummaging, relentless defensive work, and tries by Percy Montgomery, South Africa managed to repel a late onslaught from New Zealand and claim a memorable victory.
2017 – Rugby World Cup, Newlands (South Africa 24–25 New Zealand)
This match is widely regarded as one of the best test games between the two sides in Cape Town in the modern era. Just a few weeks after a humiliating 57–0 defeat in Albany, the Springboks, under Alistair Coetzee, showed incredibly brave play at a packed Newlands, pushing the All Blacks to their limit before losing by only one point.
2024 – Rugby World Cup, DHL Stadium (South Africa 18–12 New Zealand)
In the first meeting of the rivals at this arena, the Springboks secured a tense victory, earning the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009. Tries by Siya Kolisi and Malcolm Marx in the second half, combined with fierce defensive work, ensured a dramatic comeback and a series win over the All Blacks.