With the Greatest Rivalry series kicking off at Ellis Park next month, Sam Cane has been reflecting on his 16 outings against the Springboks — and two matches at that ground define his career memories of the fixture. The 2013 Rugby Championship decider makes the list, but it's the 2022 Test that still gives him goosebumps. The All Blacks arrived in Johannesburg fresh off a home series loss to Ireland, Foster's future hanging by a thread, Robertson waiting in the wings. Cane describes a week of total internal focus — leaders taking control, family shut out, external noise deliberately blocked — culminating in a 35-23 win that left several players emotional in the changing room. Beyond the results, Cane's description of Ellis Park's atmosphere is vivid: the kilometre-long drive through hostile crowds, Dane Coles cheerfully returning rude gestures from a supporter bus, the sense of 23 men against an entire stadium. He frames that hostility not as a burden but as fuel.
Cane's Ellis Park goosebumps — and why that 2022 Bok win meant everything
Cane singles out the 2022 Ellis Park Test — with Foster's job on the line — as the Springbok victory that still gives him goosebumps, and explains why the hostile Ellis Park atmosphere was something the All Blacks actively fed off.
Boks remain top but All Blacks close gap to 2.90 points after Nations Championship opener
South Africa stay top of the World Rugby Men's Rankings at 93.94 points but New Zealand have cut the gap to 2.90 after beating France, while Scotland climb to equal their all-time high of fifth following a record 47-38 win over Argentina in Córdoba.
World Rugby scraps home weighting in first rankings overhaul since 2003
World Rugby will eliminate home weighting from its rankings points calculation from July 1, 2026 — the first major change to the system since its 2003 introduction — citing the surge in Tests played at neutral venues, including the Springboks vs All Blacks Baltimore clash.
Hansen's Right to Back Himself — But the Boks' Five-Match Streak Tells a Different Story
Jean de Villiers acknowledges Hansen's logic but argues last year's results and performances make it hard to see the All Blacks closing the gap on the Boks — and the panel get genuinely animated over what a 2-2 series tiebreaker would even look like.
Erasmus welcomes clarity on Tony Brown's post-2027 departure: 'We've made the mistake in the past'
Tony Brown will join the All Blacks coaching staff in 2028 after his Springbok contract expires at the 2027 Rugby World Cup, with Rassie Erasmus welcoming the early clarity as SA Rugby looks to avoid the contractual uncertainty that complicated preparations for France 2023.
Tony Brown to join All Blacks backroom staff in 2028 after Springbok contract ends
NZR have confirmed Tony Brown will join the All Blacks' backroom staff in 2028 on a two-year contract, with the Springboks attack coach set to depart after the 2027 Rugby World Cup. It is the third time NZR have pursued Brown, having previously been rejected during the Foster and Robertson eras.