Rugby's greatest rivalry? The history of All Blacks vs Springboks

We chronicle rugby rivalry between All Blacks and Springboks from 1921-2026: South Africa's apartheid era, contentious World Cup finals, respective periods on top; watch New Zealand's tour of South Africa live on Sky Sports+, with first Test on Saturday August 22 (4.10pm)

In 2026 there is no Rugby Championship, but there is a throwback-type tour which sees New Zealand's All Blacks visit South Africa for eight matches, including four Tests against the Springboks, live on Sky Sports.

It's been advertised in New Zealand and South Africa as "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Tour." A series of games to celebrate over a century of contests between the two most successful nations the sport has seen.

The All Blacks have already played and beaten the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls so far, and face the Springboks in Tests on August 22, August 29, September 5 and September 12.

So, what is the history between the two? And what have been the flashpoints and major moments over the decades? We take a look...

Saturday August 22: South Africa vs New Zealand (FIRST TEST), Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg (4.10pm BST)

Saturday August 29: South Africa vs New Zealand (SECOND TEST), Cape Town (4.10pm BST)

Saturday September 5: South Africa vs New Zealand (THIRD TEST), FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (4.10pm BST)

Saturday September 12: South Africa vs New Zealand (FOURTH TEST), M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore USA (10pm BST)

New Zealand and South Africa first met on August 13, 1921 in Carisbrook, Dunedin as part of South Africa's three-Test tour, with the All Blacks coming out with a 13-5 victory.

South Africa won a week later at Eden Park 9-5, with the third Test a 0-0 draw in Wellington to see the series end 1-1. And so set in motion a rugby rivalry which has endured right at the apex of the sport.

That first match included, there have been some 110 Test meetings, the All Blacks winning 63, South Africa 43 and four draws.

Watch New Zealand's tour of South Africa live on Sky Sports this August, September

There have been 54 Tests played in South Africa, with the hosts winning 28, New Zealand 25 and one draw, while 48 Tests in New Zealand have seen the All Blacks win 34, Springboks 11 and three draws.