How to watch South Africa vs New Zealand 1st Test for FREE: Live streams & TV channels for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry

Watch Springboks vs All Blacks FREE on RugbyPass TV (US) Unlock your stream with Surfshark (save up to 85%) Springboks vs All Blacks kick-off: Sat, Aug 22 at 11.10am ET / 4.10pm BST The Springboks vs All Blacks 1st Test promises to be a cracker, as New Zealand have had a fair bit of joy at Ellis Park Stadium.

They've won three of the teams' last five encounters at the high-altitude venue in Johannesburg.

Dave Rennie's track record in South Africa isn't bad either.

The Boks, however, are the best in the game – even without skipper Siya Kolisi.

Rassie Erasmus waited until the last moment to confirm that Kolisi and Ox Nche hadn't recovered sufficiently from respective hamstring and knee injuries to feature on Saturday.

As has become customary, Pieter-Steph du Toit takes up captaincy duties.

The All Blacks tuned up with three routine victories, not least because Erasmus had gutted the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls sides that took to the field against the tourists.

South Africa beat Argentina in their lone warmup game, though both sides were recently in Nations Championship 2026 action.

They're the only teams with a 100% record, and New Zealand trail the Boks on points difference.

Kiwis captain Ardie Savea returns to the fold having sat each of the three warmup fixtures out, as does record try-scorer Will Jordan.

Cam Roigard and Damian McKenzie have also received the all-clear to start the blockbuster opening clash.

Read on as we explain how to watch Springboks vs All Blacks for free in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry 2026 .

Can you watch Springboks vs All Blacks for free? Yes .

The 1st South Africa vs New Zealand Test is being shown on free-to-air RugbyPass TV in the US.