The top two men’s rugby union teams in the world are set to collide as South Africa and New Zealand kick off their high-profile encounters billed as part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry 2026 tour. The series marks the first traditional tour between the Springboks and the All Blacks in 30 years, evoking the historic format of weekend and midweek matches that predates the professional era of rugby union in 1995.
Springboks and All Blacks Ignite Historic 2026 Tour
Head coach Dave Rennie has expanded his squad to 44 players for the grueling six-week tour, retaining all 34 members from New Zealand’s Nations Championship squad while adding three uncapped players—Hurricanes prop Siale Lauaki, Moana Pasifika backrower Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, and Chiefs flyhalf Josh Jacomb. Other additions include Ollie Norris, George Bell, Fabian Holland, Ethan Blackadder, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Rieko Ioane, and Emoni Narawa.
Squad Selections and Match Schedule
For the opening test at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a powerful second row featuring Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit on the blindside, according to Whathifi. For the visitors, Dave Rennie has handed Ruben Love the starting role at No. 10, paired with Jordie Barrett moving to inside centre alongside Quinn Tupaea, while Cam Roigard and captain Ardie Savea return from recovery to start.
The fixture forms part of an eight-match itinerary across South Africa and the United States:
- Stormers vs New Zealand (August 7, DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
- Sharks vs New Zealand (August 11, Kings Park, Durban)
- Bulls vs New Zealand (August 15, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)
- South Africa vs New Zealand — 1st Test (August 22, Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
- Lions vs New Zealand (August 25, Ellis Park, Johannesburg)
- South Africa vs New Zealand — 2nd Test (August 29, DHL Stadium, Cape Town)
- South Africa vs New Zealand — 3rd Test (September 5, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg)
- South Africa vs New Zealand — 4th Test (September 12, Baltimore, USA)
Historical Context and Stakes
South Africa enters the contest ranked No. 1 in the world, with New Zealand directly behind at No. 2, according to AP reports. Historically, the two powerhouse nations have met 110 times in tests, with New Zealand claiming 63 victories, South Africa winning 43, and four matches ending in draws.
The All Blacks have managed to win a test series on a South African tour only once in their history—back in 1996—following unsuccessful attempts in 1928, 1948, 1960, 1970, and 1976. Reflecting on the demanding nature of the schedule, Rennie noted that facing eight matches in six weeks makes it the toughest tour in rugby.
Global Broadcast and Viewing Options
Fans across the globe have multiple ways to follow the action. In the United States, all eight matches of the tour are available to stream live and free of charge on RugbyPass TV via its website, mobile app, or supported casting devices after a free account registration.
In New Zealand, comprehensive live coverage is provided by Sky Sport and the Sky Sport Now subscription service, while the free-to-air broadcaster Three and its ThreeNow platform are showing all eight tour matches on a delayed basis later in the day. In South Africa, the matches are broadcast on SuperSport across its Grandstand and Rugby channels, requiring a DStv subscription package. Meanwhile, Australian viewers can watch the matches via Stan Sport.
