VIDEO: The 100th year rivalry

There are many great rivalries in rugby but none match the intensity that has existed between New Zealand and South Africa since the outset of their first Test at Dunedin’s Carisbrook in 1921.

Last year’s Covid-19 disruptions ensured the centenary in years would be matched by the statistical phenomenon of their 100th Test being played in the unlikely celebration venue of Townsville on Saturday.

It was intended the occasion should be celebrated in Dunedin this year but again the Covid pandemic disrupted the best-laid plans.

Other rivalries extend well beyond 100 Tests. New Zealand and Australia have met 173 times while the original home unions of the game, as they were called, England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland have all played around 130-140 Test matches against each other.

But even with their contests for Triple Crowns and Grand Slams, with France and Italy thrown in during recent times, none have managed to provide the drama, controversy and epic moments that the All Blacks and Springboks have conjured up through their 100 years.

Source: @AllBlacks