Back in 2024, the Springboks made history by securing four consecutive wins against the All Blacks for the first time since 1949.
This milestone was achieved following their 18-12 victory in Cape Town, and also saw them win the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
There was also something special in store last year when the Springboks rebounded from a disappointing 24-17 defeat in Auckland to inflict the heaviest loss ever suffered by the All Blacks, while scoring 36 unanswered second-half points in an unforgettable 43-10 victory.
It’s been a joyful time for Springbok fans as South Africa have recently got the upper hand in this age old rivalry, but what will this year bring?
Springboks and All Blacks set for four epic battles
While the Springboks have benefited from remarkable consistency in terms of both player and coaching staff, there has recently been a massive change at the All Blacks after the recent appointment of highly-respected Dave Rennie to take over from Scott Robertson.
In football terms, there is something called a ‘new manager bounce’ in which teams often enjoy an almost immediate resurgence once there is a change in coaching leadership.
It stands to reason as players often respond to new ideas and look to seize different opportunities to really make an impression on the new coaching staff.
The principle can of course be applied in this scenario to the All Blacks as Rennie will undoubtedly bring a fresh approach and energy to New Zealand alongside his assistant coaches Jason Ryan, Neil Barnes, Tana Umaga and Mike Blair.
It’s a strong group, and although it will of course take some time for players to get fully up to speed with new plans and strategies, the All Blacks do have a few perfect ‘warm up’ games in July.
Prior to their tour to South Africa, the All Blacks will face France, Italy and Ireland in three high profile fixtures as part of the newly-formed Nations Championship.
Understandably, all signs suggest that the Springboks could be in for a seriously challenging time during the four-Test series against the All Blacks, despite still being able to benefit from home ground advantage in the first three games.
It is hard to see New Zealand giving the Springboks a so-called ‘klap’, but it would be no surprise if the four-match series was shared 2-2.
In short, the Springboks certainly won’t have it all their own way, but it should be a cracking series nonetheless.
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 at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
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