Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
South Africa v New Zealand
First Test (of Three)
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Saturday 22 August, 17:10
South Africa and New Zealand renew one of rugby’s greatest rivalries on Saturday when the Springboks welcome the All Blacks to Ellis Park Stadium for the opening Test of a three-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Kick-off is at 17:10, with the Springboks arriving in Johannesburg in formidable form. Rassie Erasmus’ side have won their last 12 Tests, including four victories in 2026 against England, Scotland, Wales and Argentina. Their most recent outing was a hard-fought 17-10 victory over Argentina, while their last defeat came against the All Blacks in Auckland in September 2025, when New Zealand prevailed 24-17.
The All Blacks also bring considerable momentum. They have won their last four Tests, including impressive victories over France, Italy and Ireland, and have made a powerful statement on tour with three commanding warm-up wins over South Africa’s leading franchises. They beat the Stormers 38-21, crushed the Sharks 54-0 and dispatched the Bulls 50-19.
For Erasmus, the challenge posed by Dave Rennie’s New Zealand is clear: expect an aggressive, expansive attacking game.
“You can see it on social media. They're advocating a high-intensity, running game, with multi-phase attacks. And when you analyse it, it definitely shows in the stats,” said Erasmus.
The Springbok coach expects the battle to be decided by which side can impose its game when in possession.
“Dave (Rennie, All Blacks head coach) is very sharp. I coached against him with Munster against Glasgow. The big battle is going to be when they have the ball, they’ll have total control of what they do with it, and when we have the ball, we’ll have total control of what we do with it. Neither team can tell the other how to use the ball.”
But Erasmus has identified the breakdown as a particular danger.
“What concerns us most is how physical and brutal they are at the breakdown,” he said. “They take the ball through so many phases, and then they put in a well-timed grubber kick, their attacking kicks are as dangerous as when they have ball-in-hand.”
History adds another layer of intrigue. Overall, New Zealand hold a significant advantage, winning 63 of 110 meetings to South Africa’s 43, with four draws. However, home soil has transformed the rivalry into a near-even contest: the Springboks have won 28 of 54 matches in South Africa, compared with 25 All Blacks victories.
Ellis Park therefore provides the perfect stage for the latest chapter. With both teams in winning form, contrasting attacking philosophies and two coaches intent on imposing their game, the opening Test promises intensity from the first whistle.
For the Springboks, it is an opportunity to extend a remarkable winning streak. For the All Blacks, it is a chance to prove that their resurgence can withstand the ultimate test: South Africa, at home, in one of rugby’s most iconic arenas.
Teams
South Africa
15. Damian Willemse; 14. Cheslin Kolbe; 13. Jesse Kriel; 12. Damian de Allende; 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 9. Grant Williams; 8. Jasper Wiese; 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (c); 6. Paul de Villiers; 5. Ruan Nortje; 4. Eben Etzebeth; 3. Wilco Louw; 2. Malcolm Marx; 1. Ox Nche
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels; 17. Gerhard Steenekamp; 18. Zachary Porthen; 19. Cobus Wiese; 20. Andre Esterhuizen; 21. Marco van Staden; 22. Cobus Reinach; 23. Manie Libbok
New Zealand
1. Ethan de Groot; 2. Codie Taylor; 3. Tyrel Lomax; 4. Josh Lord; 5. Fabian Holland; 6. Tupou Vaa’i; 7. Luke Jacobson; 8. Ardie Savea (C); 9. Cam Roigard; 10. Ruben Love; 11. Josh Moorby; 12. Jordie Barrett; 13. Quinn Tupaea; 14. Will Jordan; 15. Damian McKenzie
16. Asafo Aumua; 17. George Bower; 18. Fletcher Newell; 19. Anton Segner; 20. Peter Lakai; 21. Kyle Preston; 22. Anton Lienert-Brown; 23. Leroy Carter
Head-to-head
In New Zealand
Played 48
NZ wins 34
SA wins 11
Draws 3
In South Africa
Played 54
SA wins 28
NZ wins 25
Draws 1
Neutral
Played 8
SA wins 4
NZ wins 4
Draws 0
Overall
Played 110
SA wins 43
NZ wins 63
Draws 4
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