The Springboks and All Blacks collide at Ellis Park on Saturday in the opening Test of the 2026 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
After weeks of anticipation, the talking is over and two of international rugby’s heavyweight nations are ready to go head-to-head in Johannesburg.
The Test is the first of four meetings between South Africa and New Zealand during the All Blacks’ 2026 tour of South Africa.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10 South African time at Ellis Park.
Springboks face All Blacks without Kolisi
South Africa will have to cope without regular captain Siya Kolisi, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury. Pieter-Steph du Toit takes over the captaincy, while Paul de Villiers comes into the back row.
The Springboks have nevertheless named an imposing starting XV, with Damian de Allende earning his 100th Test cap and Eben Etzebeth extending his record as South Africa’s most-capped player.
The return of Ox Nche also strengthens the forward pack.
New Zealand, meanwhile, welcome back inspirational skipper Ardie Savea, who will lead a strong All Blacks side at Ellis Park.
LIVE SCORING: Springboks vs All Blacks
Follow the score, key moments and match developments as the Springboks take on the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
Springboks:
15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (c), 6 Paul de Villiers, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Cobus Wiese, André Esterhuizen, Marco van Staden, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok.
All Blacks:
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Fabian Holland, 4 Josh Lord, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Leroy Carter.
A rivalry steeped in history
There could hardly be a more appropriate venue for this opening Test.
Ellis Park hosted the famous 1995 Rugby World Cup final, when South Africa defeated New Zealand 15-12 after extra time.
The Springboks have also enjoyed the better of the recent rivalry, winning five of the last six meetings between the sides, according to the match build-up.
This 2026 series is particularly significant because New Zealand’s tour represents the first traditional full-scale All Blacks tour of South Africa since 1996.
With four Tests scheduled between the nations, Saturday’s encounter could set the tone for what promises to be a fascinating series.
