Springboks versus All Blacks — numbers, facts and figures

The Springbok versus All Black series that kicks off at Ellis Park on Saturday isn’t just a face-off between the two top-ranked teams in the world, it’s also a battle for the supreme crown in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.

After 12 series the spoils have been shared at five wins apiece with two drawn; the 13th showdown of four matches is likely to be unlucky for one side.

The series also offers flyhalf Handré Pollard , South Africa’s leading points-scorer against New Zealand, the opportunity to move into the sole lead as the most prolific kicker of penalties and dropped goals.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has said he’ll use all three No 10s during the series.

Pollard is currently alongside former flyhalf Morné Steyn with most penalties converted, and he’s level with past fullback Percy Montgomery for dropped goals. Pollard is the leader for most conversions achieved.

If anyone is going to catch Bryan Habana as South Africa’s top try-scorer against New Zealand, the best bets are hooker Malcolm Marx (two away) and winger Cheslin Kolbe (three away).

Here is a glance at the facts, numbers and figures of the Bok versus All Black rivalry:

Results where the margin was a converted try or less: 53 (24 won by South Africa + 25 by New Zealand)

1994 — away, lost — W 0, L 2, D 1 Captains : Francois Pienaar & Tiaan Strauss (1 match)

1981 — away, lost — W 1, L 2 Captains : Wynand Claassen & Theuns Stofberg (1 match)

1976 — home, won — W 3, L 1 Captain : Morné du Plessis (son of 1949 series captain Felix du Plessis)

1965 — away, lost — W 1, L 3 Captains : Dawie de Villiers & Nelie Smith (1 match)

1960 — home, won — W 2, L 1, D 1 Captains : Roy Dryburgh & Avril Malan (2 matches each)

1956 — away, lost — W 1, L 3 Captains : Basie Vivier & Salty du Rand (1 match)