GREATEST RIVALRY: 'It's not going to be 4-0'
EXCLUSIVE: Nothing in rugby captures the imagination quite like a Springboks-All Blacks showdown, and this year promises to be no different as the old foes renew hostilities in the Greatest Rivalry series.
Few sporting contests carry the emotional weight of South Africa versus New Zealand. The rivalry transcends the game itself, with players and supporters experiencing intense emotions.
It has been 30 years since New Zealand last toured the Rainbow Nation, when they claimed a 2-1 victory – a result still remembered as one of their finest overseas triumphs.
Now, in 2026, another chapter is set to be written.
The four-Test series kicks off at Ellis Park on August 22, followed by Tests at Cape Town Stadium, FNB Stadium and a rare match at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
The All Blacks will also play additional games against South Africa’s United Rugby Championship franchises.
Former Springbok centre Juan de Jongh knows exactly what awaits.
The 19-cap Bok midfielder faced New Zealand five times during his international career and expects the visitors to arrive with a point to prove.
“This is not called the Greatest Rivalry for nothing,” De Jongh told Rugby365 at the launch of the partnership between Klipdrift and SA Rugby at Van Ryn’s Distillery and Brandy Cellar.
“The All Blacks and the Springboks – when it comes down to one-on-one battles – the history goes a long way.
“It’s going to be a special tournament. Internationally and domestically as well, it’s going to give everyone an experience when it comes to rugby in South Africa.”
The two teams head into the series in very different positions.
Led by Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks look invincible and have been dominating world rugby. They secured back-to-back Rugby Championships for the first time (2024 and 2025) and are currently No. 1 in the world.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks are navigating a rebuilding phase. They have not had World Cup success since 2015 and last time they have won the Rugby Championship was in 2023. There is also a shift in leadership, with new coach Dave Rennie replacing Scott Robertson.
“I’m expecting a massive, massive battle, especially from the All Blacks,” the Behind the Ruck co-host stated.
“I mean, they’re a proud nation, they’re pretty much backs against the wall.
“Everyone is writing them off at the current moment.
“Rennie, he’s a class coach. Looking at what he’s done, his pedigree and CV speak for themselves.
“So, I’m not expecting a clean sweep. I’m expecting something very close. It could be a 2-2 draw, if I’m very honest, or even 3-1 for the Springboks. It’s not going to be 4-0; it’s going to be tight games.”
Reflecting on his own experiences against New Zealand, De Jongh pointed to the 2010 Test at FNB Stadium as one of the most memorable matches of his career.
Although South Africa fell 22-29 to the All Blacks, who clinched the Tri-Nations title in the process, the occasion remains etched in his memory.
“It was John Smit’s 100th game,” De Jongh recalled.
“There were 95,000 people in the stadium.
“That was kind of my first start against that star duo, Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith. That was my toughest rivalry, the two of them.
“When you have a 12 and 13 combination like that, it’s deadly. It’s a scary thought. I think it was me and Jean de Villiers at the time.
“But that game is still in my medulla oblongata and memory bank.”
