All Blacks vs Springboks

Lore & Background

The rivalry has considerable history off the field. The 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand resulted in the largest mass civil unrest in New Zealand history as people protested over the Springboks touring due to the then South African government's policy of Apartheid. Subsequent tours were cancelled, and the All Blacks and Springboks did not meet again until August 1992 in Johannesburg, when the Springboks were re-admitted to World Rugby. The 1995 World Cup final between these two nations, with Springbok captain Francois Pienaar holding aloft the trophy alongside former South African President Nelson Mandela, is an iconic moment in the sport's history and seen as a pivotal moment in South Africa's post-apartheid nation-building. It took New Zealand 35 years to win their first series against South Africa (in 1956), and not until 1996 did New Zealand win their first series on South African soil (South Africa had won a series in New Zealand in 1937). The rivalry was close for eighty years between 1921–2000, when New Zealand led the head-to-head by 27–26. In the first 17 years of the 21st century, New Zealand compiled a 31–10 record over South Africa, during a period of New Zealand dominance that also coincided with two periods of dysfunction in South African rugby under coaches Rudolf Straeuli and Allister Coetzee (2002–2003 and 2016–2018 respectively). South Africa's resurgence since the appointment of Rassie Erasmus as coach in 2018 has resulted in the rivalry reigniting, as South Africa lead the series 8–6 (with one draw) since his appointment, including inflicting New Zealand's two worst ever defeats.

In Their Own Story

The air in the stadium is thick with humidity and the scent of cut grass. Under the floodlights, the green and gold of South Africa clashes against the black and silver of New Zealand. There is no chatter, only the heavy thud of boots on turf and the sharp crack of a tackle that echoes like a gunshot. A Springbok forward drives into the All Black line, muscles straining, eyes locked on the goalposts. The scrum-half passes the oval ball, but the black jersey intercepts with terrifying speed. For a heartbeat, time suspends; then, the roar of the crowd erupts as the ball is offloaded, a dance of violence and grace unfolding in the mud.

Reader's Guide

They have faced each other 110 times with New Zealand winning 63 times, South Africa 43 times, and 4 draws. As befits the intensity of the rivalry, the two sides are responsible for each other's largest defeats: New Zealand beat South Africa 57–0 in 2017, and South Africa beat New Zealand 43–10 in 2025. Since 2004 New Zealand and South Africa have contested the Freedom Cup, which has remained a trophy contested annually in the Tri Nations Series/Rugby Championship since 2006.

Did You Know?

• The first test between the All Blacks and Springboks was in 1921, with New Zealand winning 13–5 in Dunedin.
• New Zealand is the only nation to have won more games than it has lost against South Africa.
• South Africa has the highest win percentage in the world against New Zealand.
• The 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand caused the largest mass civil unrest in New Zealand history.
• The 1995 World Cup final, with Francois Pienaar and Nelson Mandela, is seen as a pivotal moment in South Africa's post-apartheid nation-building.

The Historic 1905 Tour and Unprecedented Dominance

The 1905 expedition, famously known as 'The Originals,' marked a watershed moment in rugby history as the first New Zealand national team to tour beyond Australasia. Departing aboard the Rimutaka, this squad embarked on an ambitious journey across the British Isles, France, and North America, ultimately playing thirty-five matches. Their performance was nothing short of sensational; they scored a staggering 976 points while conceding merely 59. The team's opening fixture against Devon resulted in a shocking 55–4 victory that stunned British observers, with Billy Wallace alone accounting for 28 points. Throughout the tour, they dismantled every English side they encountered, including county champions Durham and Blackheath. While they secured narrow but crucial victories over Scotland, Ireland, and England, their only defeat came against Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. This solitary loss, a 3–0 result marred by controversy over an unawarded try, did little to diminish the team's overwhelming success or their status as world-class competitors who set a new global standard for the sport.

Defining Matches and the Sole Defeat

The narrative of the tour is punctuated by specific matches that highlighted both the team's invincibility and their rare vulnerability. The Daily Chronicle noted their bewildering ability to turn defense into attack with rapidity. However, the match against Durham County on October 7th proved to be a stern test; as English county champions, they were the first side to score a try against New Zealand, yet the All Blacks rallied for a 16–3 win. The tour's most significant challenge arrived in Cardiff against Wales. Despite playing poorly in the first half and suffering a 3–0 defeat, the match remains legendary due to a controversial disallowed try by winger Bob Deans. Although Wales were widely considered the superior side on that day, this loss stood as the only blemish on an otherwise perfect record of five Test matches played during the tour.

Birth of Identity and Professional Controversy

Beyond the scoreboard, the 1905 tour helped forge New Zealand rugby's cultural identity. It was on this trip that the name 'All Blacks' first appeared officially, creating a brand known worldwide for top-tier performance. The team's success turned New Zealand from a remote colonial outpost into a major rugby power. Yet this tour also sparked future splits in the sport. Several players from that legendary squad later chose professional tours during 1907–08 against Northern Union sides. This shift played a key role in birthing rugby league, creating a complicated legacy where stars who defined amateur union's golden age helped launch its pro rival, forever changing the game they loved.

Selection Process and Pre-Tour Preparations

The path to becoming 'The Originals' was rigorous, beginning with the formation of the New Zealand Rugby Football Union in 1892. Before facing international opposition, the team underwent extensive preparation, including a preliminary three-match tour of Australia where they won two games and drew one. They also played four domestic matches in New Zealand, though their final pre-departure game ended in a 3–0 loss to Wellington. The journey itself was an odyssey, with stops in Montevideo and Tenerife before arriving in Plymouth. Upon landing, the squad established Newton Abbot as their training base, where they prepared for the grueling schedule ahead, transforming from a collection of regional talents into a cohesive unit ready to challenge the world's best.