In 2026, Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry will see world champions South Africa welcome New Zealand for a historic rugby tour.
The century-old rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks has shaped international rugby for generations. Now, the two giants are ready for another blockbuster chapter.
Here, Sports News Blitz writer Michael Davey rounds up everything you need to know. This guide covers the fixtures, venues, and match times.
What is Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry?
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is the name given to New Zealand’s 2026 rugby union tour of South Africa.
The ambitious tour features eight matches. First, the All Blacks will face four South African provincial teams.
Those sides are the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, and Lions. Then, New Zealand will face the Springboks in four Test matches.
The first three Tests will take place in South Africa. After that, the series will move to Baltimore, Maryland, for the fourth Test.
The tour also brings back the traditional long-form tours of rugby’s past. In addition, New Zealand will visit South Africa for a full tour for the first time since 1996.
What is the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule?
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry begins in Cape Town on August 7.
After that, the tour moves to Durban, Pretoria, and Johannesburg. Finally, the series concludes in Baltimore on September 12.
Here are the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures, venues, and times:
7 August (19:00 SAST / 18:00 BST) – Stormers vs All Blacks, DHL Stadium in Cape Town
11 August (19:00 SAST / 18:00 BST) – Sharks vs All Blacks, Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban
15 August (19:00 SAST / 18:00 BST) – Bulls vs All Blacks, Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria
22 August (17:10 SAST / 16:10 BST) – Springboks vs All Blacks, Ellis Park in Johannesburg (first Test)
25 August (19:00 SAST / 18:00 BST) – Lions vs All Blacks, Ellis Park in Johannesburg
29 August (17:10 SAST / 16:10 BST) – Springboks vs All Blacks, DHL Stadium in Cape Town (second Test)
5 September (17:10 SAST / 16:10 BST) – Springboks vs All Blacks, FNB Stadium in Johannesburg (third Test)
12 September (23:00 SAST / 22:00 BST / 17:00 EDT) – Springboks vs All Blacks, M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore (fourth Test)
Why are South Africa and New Zealand rugby rivals?
South Africa and New Zealand first met in rugby in 1921.
The match took place in Dunedin. New Zealand won the contest 13-5.
Since then, both nations have become major forces in world rugby. As a result, their meetings have become a major part of international rugby.
The teams have played 110 Tests against each other. New Zealand have won 63 of those matches.
Meanwhile, South Africa have recorded 43 victories. The other four meetings ended in draws.
The Springboks and All Blacks have also met in two Rugby World Cup finals.
In 1995, South Africa won the final in Johannesburg by 15-12. Later, the Springboks defeated New Zealand 12-11 in the 2023 final in Paris.
Therefore, the 2026 tour will add another chapter to this long-running rivalry.
MORE ON RGR: Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry: Everything you need to know about the Springboks vs All Blacks tour
