Episode six of The Ruck's Rugby's Greatest Rivals series centres on the 1996 All Blacks tour of South Africa — widely debated as the greatest achievement in New Zealand rugby history. Rugby journalist and historian Jamie Wall argues the case bluntly: "For me, it's the greatest thing the All Blacks have ever accomplished. It's bigger than a World Cup." John Hart details the meticulous planning behind it, including personally funding a pre-tour reconnaissance with manager Mike Banks when New Zealand Rugby balked at paying for two flights. On the South African side, Joel Stransky paints a bleak picture of a Springbok camp fractured by André Markgraaff's deliberate dismantling of the '95 squad, internal contract disputes, and a coach Stransky believed harboured racial prejudice — "it was not a happy time for South African rugby." The episode builds to the decisive third test at Loftus Versfeld, where Ian Jones recalls being "never more exhausted in the black jersey" and Hart describes substitute John Preston — "the cleaner" — landing a 56-metre penalty under suffocating late pressure to seal a 33-26 win.
The Incomparables: How the 1996 All Blacks achieved what no touring side had done before — and why it still matters
The Ruck's series on the All Blacks–Springboks rivalry reaches the 1996 tour, with Hart, Jones, Fitzpatrick and Stransky offering first-hand accounts of the test series many regard as the pinnacle of New Zealand rugby achievement.
The Ruck's series on the All Blacks–Springboks rivalry reaches the 1996 tour, with Hart, Jones, Fitzpatrick and Stransky offering first-hand accounts of the test series many regard as the pinnacle of New Zealand rugby achievement.
Full transcript is being prepared. Check back shortly.
- New Zealand
- Rugby World Cup
- Springboks
- Loftus Versfeld
Brown confirms post-2027 All Blacks move but eyes World Cup glory with Boks first
Springbok attack coach Tony Brown will join Dave Rennie's All Blacks staff from 2028, but remains committed to helping South Africa win a third successive World Cup title before his departure.
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.
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.
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.
Keo & Zels: Stubborn All Blacks policy make Boks smile
The boys love that New Zealand keep picking their second-best, long may it continue.