The stage is set for another chapter in one of world rugby’s fiercest rivalries, with the Springboks preparing to welcome the All Blacks to South Africa for a blockbuster four-Test series.
South African rugby fans have been waiting for this one.
The Springboks and All Blacks will renew their historic rivalry from 22 August, when the first Test takes place at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. The four-match series will also include Tests in Cape Town, Johannesburg and, for the first time, a meeting between these two giants in the United States.
And make no mistake; this is not just another rugby series.
This is South Africa vs New Zealand.
The Boks have the upper hand
The balance of power has shifted dramatically in recent years.
Since Rassie Erasmus returned to the Springbok setup in 2018, South Africa have enjoyed an impressive record against their traditional rivals, including two Rugby World Cup victories over New Zealand.
The most recent World Cup meeting came in the 2023 final, where the Springboks edged the All Blacks 12–11 to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
South Africa also produced a statement victory in their most recent meeting in 2025, beating New Zealand 43–10; one of the heaviest defeats in All Blacks history.
But the history of this rivalry means past results count for very little once the teams walk onto the field.
The All Blacks are coming to fight
New Zealand's arrival in South Africa has already created plenty of excitement.
The All Blacks are on their first full tour of South Africa in 30 years, with matches against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls serving as preparation for the four-Test series against the Springboks.
They opened their tour with a 38–21 victory over the Stormers, pulling away late after the Cape side had pushed them hard for much of the match.
They then produced a far more emphatic performance against the Sharks, winning 54–0 in Durban.
They then defeated the Blue Bulls 50-19 in Pretoria in a commanding eight-try victory.
That result will certainly have caught the attention of the Springbok camp.
Rassie knows the Boks must improve
The Springboks also enter the series with confidence after beating Argentina 17–10 in their most recent Test.
But Erasmus knows there is work to be done.
South Africa's victory over Argentina was used partly to build match fitness for returning players, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth and Lood de Jager. Erasmus has also acknowledged that the Boks need to improve their attacking game ahead of the All Blacks series.
That will be one of the biggest talking points heading into the opening Test.
The Boks have built their reputation on physicality, defence and relentless pressure; but their ability to attack from different areas of the field has become increasingly important.
A new chapter in an old rivalry
For decades, the All Blacks were the benchmark of international rugby.
South Africa have now become that benchmark.
The two nations have faced each other 110 times, with New Zealand holding the historical advantage at 63 victories to South Africa's 43, with four draws. However, South Africa's resurgence under Erasmus has dramatically changed the recent narrative.
The Springboks are no longer chasing the All Blacks.
The All Blacks are coming to South Africa to chase the Springboks.
And that makes this series even more fascinating.
Mo'unga adds another twist
New Zealand have also added significant experience to their squad.
Former All Blacks flyhalf Richie Mo'unga has been called up to replace injured centre Billy Proctor. The 56-cap veteran returns to the international setup after a period playing in Japan and has impressed since returning to New Zealand.
With Damian McKenzie also managing an ankle injury, Mo'unga's inclusion could provide the All Blacks with another experienced playmaker ahead of the Tests.
