Annemie Bester makes the case that the Springbok-All Black rivalry isn't just rugby's biggest fixture — it's the sport's definitive measure of greatness. The argument rests on a combination no other rivalry matches: over a century of history since 1921, seven World Cup titles between the two nations, and a philosophical contrast in how the game is played. While Northern Hemisphere rivalries offer tradition and emotion, none carry the same consequence in determining who truly leads world rugby. The piece traces the rivalry's arc from the colonial-era tours through the politically charged 1981 series, the 1995 World Cup final, and into the Erasmus era — which Bester identifies as the critical turning point where South Africa shifted the balance of power after decades of All Black dominance. The 2023 World Cup final win (12-11) and that year's earlier 35-7 result at Twickenham are highlighted as proof the Boks now meet New Zealand as genuine equals. The upcoming three-Test dedicated series adds a layer of significance, framed as a return to the format of the great amateur-era tours.
Why Boks vs All Blacks Stands Alone as Rugby's Greatest Rivalry
Bester argues the Springbok-All Black rivalry earns its 'greatest' tag through an unmatched combination of history, consequence and philosophical contrast — and that the Erasmus era has reshaped the balance after decades of Kiwi dominance.
- Springboks
- New Zealand
- Rugby World Cup
- Rassie Erasmus
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.
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.
All Blacks' loosehead crisis hands Springboks a ready-made weapon in Greatest Rivalry Series
Jeff Wilson has publicly identified loosehead prop as the All Blacks' most dangerous weakness ahead of four consecutive Tests against the Springboks — with Williams likely out, Tu'ungafasi's future uncertain, and the remaining options short on caps and experience. Set against the depth Erasmus has built across the prop positions, this piece maps out why scrum time could be where the Greatest Rivalry Series is decided.
Stephen Donald: Robertson copied the Boks — Rennie must go back to All Blacks DNA
Stephen Donald backs Hansen's anti-copycat argument, saying Robertson erred by chasing the Springbok blueprint rather than New Zealand's tempo-based strengths — and expects Rennie to correct that course ahead of a blockbuster four-Test series in South Africa.
Mulder's '95 Warning: Don't Sleep on the All Blacks
1995 World Cup winner Japie Mulder warns against writing off the All Blacks ahead of the four-Test series, drawing on South Africa's own underdog story to argue the gap in rankings doesn't guarantee a comfortable series win.