Springboks vs All Blacks: The Complete Guide to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry  

Some rivalries define a sport. Others transcend it. For more than 100 years, the world of rugby has been rewritten by the meetings between South Africa and New Zealand. World Cups, Rugby Championship titles, memorable Test matches, and iconic players have all played a role in what is seen to be the greatest rivalry the world of rugby has ever seen.  

Beginning in August 2026, this rivalry enters a new chapter with the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour. The All Blacks come to South Africa for an eight-match tour. This tour consists of four provincial fixtures and a four-Test series between the top two-ranked rugby nations in the world.  

But before we jump into the tour itself, let’s take a step back and look at everything you need to know about rugby’s greatest rivalry.  

Why Is the Springboks vs All Blacks Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry? 

These two nations have competed for decades across multiple competitions. Every encounter has been significant due to the rivalry’s history, consistency, and quality of competition. Both sides have constantly competed for the number one ranking.  

This rivalry is built on contrasting rugby styles of play. The Springboks have become synonymous with powerful forward play, dominant scrummaging, and tactical kicking. The All Blacks, on the other hand, are known for their attacking flair, handling skills, and ability to score from anywhere on the field. As a result, when these two sides play against one another, they are playing the highest level of rugby.  

History of the Rivalry 

The rivalry dates back to their first Test match in 1921. South Africa toured New Zealand for a series that ended in New Zealand winning the first match. The winning and losing jumped between nations. It remained close for 80 years between 1921 and 2000. During this time, New Zealand led the head-to-head by 27-26.  

When the Springboks re-entered the world of rugby in 1992, the rivalry was rewritten. They faced each other in the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final, producing one of rugby’s most iconic moments.  

As the 21st century rolled around, New Zealand led the way with a 31-10 record over the Springboks. But, from 2018 onwards, South Africa regained their stride under coach Rassie Erasmus. Now, South Africa leads the series 8-6, with one draw. In fact, during this time, New Zealand has seen their worst defeats in history.  

Currently, the All Blacks are the only team that have won more games than they have lost against the Springboks. Not only this, but the Springboks have the highest win percentage against New Zealand.  

So, all in all, they have faced one another 110 times. New Zealand have won 63 times and South Africa 43 times. They have four draws between the two sides.  

The Greatest Springbok Wins Over the All Blacks 

South Africa 15-12 New Zealand (1995 Rugby World Cup Final) 

This match was one for the history books as the Springboks defeated the All Blacks 15-12 in extra time. The points were scored by Joel Stansky from the Springboks and Andrew Mehrtens from the All Blacks.  

The match was played at Ellis Park. It was here that Stansky made the famous drop goal that won the Boks the match.  

But this win was so much more than the first Rugby World Cup title for South Africa. The match is remembered as a turning point in rugby. It symbolised the end of apartheid and the beginning of a new era for South Africa in the rugby union.  

South Africa 22-16 New Zealand (1998 Tri Nations) 

The 1998 Tri Nations Series, between Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, showcased the best of the best in the rugby union. This match helped the Springboks break the All Blacks’ dominance in the series.  

After their 22-16 victory over New Zealand, South Africa went on to win the tournament. This showcased how the Springboks were able to dominate over the All Blacks during this period.  

South Africa 31-19 New Zealand (2009 Tri Nations) 

The 2009 Tri Nations win was crucial for two reasons. Firstly, flyhalf Morne Steyn scored all of the points for the Springboks. This meant that he became the record scorer in a Tri-Nations match.  

Secondly, this match represented a back-to-back win over New Zealand after their 28-19 win the previous weekend. This was the Springboks’ first successive win over the All Blacks since 1976.  

South Africa 35-7 New Zealand (Twickenham, 2023) 

The Springboks dominated the All Blacks 35-7 in Twickenham. The Boks lead 14-0 in the first half with a try by Siya Kolisi in the 18th minute. In the second half, South Africa showed its true colours, dominating with another 21 points on the board.  

The 28-point victory was the largest win ever over New Zealand. Not only this, but it sent a clear message to the All Blacks ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup. 

South Africa 43-10 New Zealand (Rugby Championship, 2025) 

The Springboks broke their previous record with a 33-point win over New Zealand in 2025. Cheslin Kolbe scored a try in both halves, while Damian Willemse, Kwagga Smith, R.G. Snyman, and Andre Esterhuizen each scored a try.  

This score demonstrated the depth, physicality, and attacking quality of one of the strongest Springbok teams of our time.  

The Greatest All Black Wins over the Springboks 

Out of their 63 wins over the Springboks, the All Blacks have produced some unforgettable victories. These matches remind us why New Zealand is up there with the greatest rugby teams in history. Some of their greatest wins are:  

• 57-0 (2017) 

• 57-15 (2016) 

• 52-16 (2003) 

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry  

For the first time in 30 years, the All Blacks will tour South Africa for an eight-match series. This tour highlights the intense and over-century-long rivalry between these two rugby nations. They have met in iconic matches over the years and two Rugby World Cup finals, but now they’ll be meeting in old-school Test matches.  

The Springboks recently released their 43-player squad, which includes legends such as Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, and many more. 

Provincial Matches 

• 7 August: DHL Stormers vs All Blacks (Cape Town)  

• 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs All Blacks (Durban)  

• 15 August: Vodacom Bulls vs All Blacks (Pretoria)  

• 25 August: Lions vs All Blacks (Johannesburg)  

Test Series 

• 22 August: First Test – Ellis Park, Johannesburg  

• 29 August: Second Test – DHL Stadium, Cape Town  

• 5 September: Third Test – FNB Stadium, Johannesburg  

• 12 September: Fourth Test – M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA 

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Few rivalries can match that of the Springboks versus the All Blacks. For more than 100 years, these two sides have brought the world of rugby unforgettable moments filled with drama and passion.  

Now, with Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour set to begin in August, the rivalry has been renewed and intensified. Never miss out on the action with bet.co.za. Bet on Rugby now.