Greatest Rivalry Series will significantly boost Bok and Kiwis RWC challenge

Both coaches will be desperate for their teams to win the Greatest Rivalry Series between the Springboks and All Blacks that was confirmed on Thursday evening at the start of what should become an iconic part of the rugby calendar, but it could also be a significant lift for both teams’ challenge for the following year’s Rugby World Cup.

New Zealand’s coach Scott Robertson described South Africa as the ultimate test for any team and said it was perfectly timed to help the All Blacks' challenge grow for the following year’s RWC in Australia.

“This tour has a real place in the global rugby calendar. It’s a chance to test ourselves physically and mentally in the toughest environment there is,” said Robertson.

“The timing, just before a World Cup, gives us a perfect opportunity to build depth and find out more about ourselves. The rivalry with South Africa has so much history – political, cultural, and sporting. That’s why it’s called Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. It’s more than marketing; it’s two proud rugby nations with decades of battles behind them.”

South Africa’s Rassie Erasmus got his first taste of Bok rugby as a player when he was part of the end of year tour to Europe in 1996 (the tour actually started in Argentina but he was called on as a replacement later in the trip) so knows all about what a proper tour can do. Listening to him speak about it, you almost get the impression he envies New Zealand for being the touring team next year.

"ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO GET TIGHT AS A TEAM"

The All Blacks will play four games against the local URC franchises among the seven they play in South Africa, with the eighth tour game being the Fourth test to be played at a neutral venue.

“Tours are one of the best ways to really get tight as a team,” said Erasmus. “You spend so much time together, you get to know each other better, players, coaches and staff, and you even start to understand the culture and fan base of the country you’re touring. You get frustrated with each other, but that’s how you grow.

“In my first tour it was a time when we were away for seven weeks. Even though the game is more professional now, I think most players still enjoy touring. It builds connection and team spirit, and it is great for the brand too.”

However, while the All Blacks should get a great chance to grow their depth by going on a tour such as the one scheduled for next August and September, it will also tighten the Boks to be playing such a tough series together, one which is scheduled to take place every six years and will rival the British and Irish Lions tours in level of importance for players are part of it.

“The name ‘The Greatest Rivalry’ says a lot, but it’s not meant arrogantly. The history between us and New Zealand is incredibly rich – from the New Zealand Cavaliers rebel tour (to South Africa in 1986) to the flower bomb incidents in Auckland in 1981. This is not about saying it’s better than the Six Nations or anything else. It’s just a recognition of how deep and special this rivalry is.”

1996 WIN WILL INSPIRE ALL BLACKS

What Erasmus did not mention was the last proper tour and series between the two nations - 1996, when the All Blacks won a series in South Africa for the first time under the captaincy of Sean Fitzpatrick and with John Hart as the New Zealand coach. It has not been forgotten by key All Black personnel, however, and it is sure to be a galvanising memory for tourists who would have witnessed the Kiwi triumphs from afar when they were all very young.

“I remember those 1996 tests really well. Fitzy (Fitzpatrick), Marshy (Justin Marshall) and a decorated All Blacks side doing what no one had done before and winning a series in South Africa,” said Robertson.

“It was an amazing moment in our rugby history. A seven-week tour with four tests and a couple of franchise games is something unique. Watching how the British & Irish Lions managed their tour of Australia gave me a few insights, because we’ll be doing something similar next year. It’s a huge opportunity for both nations, and for fans on both sides, to see two great rivals go head-to-head again.”

Robertson added that the move of South African teams to the United Rugby Championship had made the tour possible.

“Honestly, if the South African teams had stayed in Super Rugby, this tour probably wouldn’t have happened. Their move north created the opportunity. The URC sides are strong now – full of Springboks and depth – so those midweek matches will be proper contests, not just warm-ups.”

KIWI SKIPPER SEES TOUR AS CAREER HIGHLIGHT

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett stuck to the theme set by the two rival coaches by saying that the tour would be a career highlight for him.

“The rivalry between our nations is huge, and I’m really excited about the chance to play the Springboks in a full three-match series. Any player in New Zealand aiming for this tour will want to be at their best. It’s the ultimate challenge. A seven-week tour and three straight tests in South Africa. Those tests will be incredibly physical. You’ll want to build form through the early games, then be ready for three very intense matches. It’ll be brutal at times, but that’s what it’s all about: testing yourself against the world champions in their own backyard.”

RUGBY’S GREATEST RIVALRY TOUR FIXTURES 2026

Friday 7 August: DHL Stormers v New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town


Tuesday 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban


Saturday 15 August: Vodacom Bulls v New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria


Saturday 22 August: First test – South Africa v New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg 


Tuesday 25 August: Lions v New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg


Saturday 29 August: Second test – South Africa v New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town 


Saturday 5 September: Third test – South Africa v New Zealand at FNB Stadium,

Johannesburg


Saturday 12 September: Fourth test – South Africa v New Zealand (venue to be announced)