Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour

Springboks vs All Blacks – It Doesn’t Get Bigger Than This 

Date
7 August to
12 September 2026
Destination
South Africa
Venue
Venue to be confirmed

In world rugby, there’s one rivalry that stands above everything else – Springboks vs All Blacks. No other matchup carries this much history, power, or pride. For South Africa, New Zealand has always been the rivalry. And globally, this showdown is recognised as the sport’s fiercest contest. 

That’s why the quadrennial Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour exists – a tour built for two nations who refuse to be second best. In 2026, the All Blacks will arrive on South African soil for a run of matches across Cape Town, Durban, Pretoria, and Johannesburg, backed by a massive four-Test series that will shake the rugby world. 

As for the age-old question: who’s better? 

It depends who you ask – and that’s what keeps this rivalry alive. South Africa holds the most Rugby World Cup titles. New Zealand owns one of the strongest win records in rugby history. Both nations are giants. Both expect victory. And when they meet, the winner is often the sport itself. 

 

2026: The Tour That Will Rewrite History 

Here’s the schedule for Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry South Africa 2026 – every match a chance to witness history: 

  • 7 August: DHL Stormers v New Zealand, Cape Town 
  • 11 August: Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand, Durban 
  • 15 August: Vodacom Bulls v New Zealand, Pretoria 
  • 22 AugustFirst Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Ellis Park 
  • 25 August: Lions v New Zealand, Johannesburg 
  • 29 August: Second Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Cape Town 
  • 5 SeptemberThird Test: South Africa v New Zealand, FNB Stadium 
  • 12 SeptemberFourth Test: South Africa v New Zealand, venue TBA 

Book Your Edusport 2026 Rugby Ticket and Travel Package 

Experience Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry the right way. Edusport Travel tailors packages to suit your needs, including match tickets, accommodation, breakfast, travel insurance, an eSIM, and optional add-ons like flights, tours, or upgrades. 

Chat to Edusport Travel today and catch Springboks vs All Blacks live. 

Event Information

DHL Stormers v New Zealand, Cape Town  | 2026-08-07
Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand, Durban  | 2026-08-11
Vodacom Blue Bulls v New Zealand, Pretoria | 2026-08-15
First Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Ellis Park | 2026-08-22
Lions v New Zealand, Johannesburg | 2026-08-25
Second Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Cape Town | 2026-08-29
Third Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Johannesburg FNB Stadium | 2026-09-05
Fourth Test: South Africa v New Zealand, venue TBA | 2026-09-12
Event Fixtures
DHL Stormers v New Zealand, Cape Town  | 2026-08-07
Hollywoodbets Sharks v New Zealand, Durban  | 2026-08-11
Vodacom Blue Bulls v New Zealand, Pretoria | 2026-08-15
First Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Ellis Park | 2026-08-22
Lions v New Zealand, Johannesburg | 2026-08-25
Second Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Cape Town | 2026-08-29
Third Test: South Africa v New Zealand, Johannesburg FNB Stadium | 2026-09-05
Fourth Test: South Africa v New Zealand, venue TBA | 2026-09-12

Quick stats to get you up to speed: 

  • Most Decorated Teams: The Springboks have won 4 Rugby World Cups, New Zealand 3, making them rugby’s most successful nations. 
  • All-Time Record: South Africa and New Zealand have faced each other over 100 test matches, with the All Blacks holding a slight historical edge. 
  • New Era Tour: The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour launches in 2026, marking the first official series of matches across South Africa between the Springboks and All Blacks under this new tour structure. 
  • Record-Breaking Crowds: Matches regularly attract 50,000+ fans, with FNB Stadium and DHL Stadium among Africa’s largest venues. 
  • Global Attention: Every clash is broadcast to over 100 countries, cementing it as one of the most-watched fixtures in world rugby. 

South Africa

If there’s one thing South Africa does well, it’s sport. Whether it’s the thunderous atmosphere of a packed rugby stadium, the electric energy of a cricket match at Newlands, or the world-class golf courses scattered across the country, this is a nation that lives and breathes competition.  

South Africa holiday destinations offer more than just game drives and scenic beaches – this is where sport and travel collide in the best possible way. From the roar of vuvuzelas during football clashes to the precision of golfers teeing off on championship courses, every moment here is packed with adrenaline. And when the match is over? There’s no shortage of adventure, from safaris to coastal escapes. If you’re a sports fan, a South Africa holiday needs to be on your radar. 

south africa

FAQs & Extras

Venue Tips & Travel: What You Need to Know 
Cape Town – DHL Stadium  Stay near the Waterfront for quick access and pre-game energy.  Book early – August fills up fast.  Arrive hours early to soak in the fan zone atmosphere.  Durban – Hollywoodbets Kings Park  Loud, proud, raw coastal rugby culture.  Pair the match with beachfront stays.  Game-day local curry is a must.  Pretoria – Loftus Versfeld  High altitude. High intensity. Feel the buzz.  Stay in Hatfield or Menlyn for quick stadium access.  Johannesburg – Ellis Park & FNB Stadium  Ellis Park is rugby’s holy ground – FNB Stadium brings massive match energy.  Plan your transport early – the city moves fast on game days. 
Domestic flights between cities are fast and frequent.  Weather varies – pack for chilly nights and warm days.  Rugby fans here live the sport – respect the brotherhood. 

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