The Springboks and All Blacks are just weeks away from kick-off in the first of four Tests in what has been called Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. The two proud rugby nations will play three Tests in South Africa, and then a fourth in Baltimore in the United States, marking a historic moment for the sport on the African continent.
South African rugby fans are eagerly anticipating the clash between the world champions and their greatest rivals, with the Springboks looking to defend their home turf against the formidable New Zealand side. The tour promises to deliver some of the most exciting rugby action of the year.
Springboks vs All Blacks Test Match Schedule
The three Tests in South Africa will take place at iconic venues across the country. The first Test will be held at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August, followed by the second Test at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 29 August. The third Test will take place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, 5 September. All these matches will kick off at 17:10 SA time.
The teams will then travel to the United States for the fourth and final clash on Saturday, 12 September. South African supporters will need to stay awake until 23:00 SA time to watch the match at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. This fixture represents a significant moment for rugby expansion into the North American market.
Full Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour Fixtures
The All Blacks will play a total of seven matches in South Africa on their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, including three Tests and four matches against provincial sides. The tour kicks off with the Stormers facing the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium on Friday, 7 August at 19:10.
The Sharks will then host the All Blacks at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Tuesday, 11 August at 19:10. The Bulls will welcome the visitors to Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday, 15 August at 19:10. The provincial matches conclude with the Lions facing the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Tuesday, 25 August at 19:10.
The full tour schedule is as follows:
Friday, 7 August: Stormers vs New Zealand, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 19:10
Tuesday, 11 August: Sharks vs New Zealand, Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban – 19:10
Saturday, 15 August: Bulls vs New Zealand, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – 19:10
Saturday, 22 August: First Test, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 17:10
Tuesday, 25 August: Lions vs New Zealand, Ellis Park, Johannesburg – 19:10
Saturday, 29 August: Second Test, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town – 17:10
Saturday, 5 September: Third Test, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg – 17:10
Saturday, 12 September: Fourth Test, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, United States – 23:00 (SA time)
Ticket Sales Update: Demand Falls Short of Expectations
While the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry is one of the most intense in world rugby, ticket sales for the tour matches have been slower than expected. Despite the All Blacks being one of rugby’s biggest attractions, organisers have confirmed that none of the tour matches are close to selling out.
With just days before New Zealand faces the Stormers in Cape Town, demand has fallen well short of expectations. According to an SA Rugby spokesperson, sales range from modest to poor, and sold out signs won’t be going up anytime soon. The organisers are hoping that ticket sales will pick up as kick-off draws closer.
The opening fixture at Cape Town Stadium has tickets priced at R650 and R1,350. These prices have been a point of discussion among fans, with some expressing concerns about affordability. SA Rugby will be hoping ticket sales for the provincial fixtures gain momentum in the coming days.
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Springbok Tests Ticket Availability
While the first two Springbok-All Blacks Tests at Ellis Park and Cape Town Stadium have already sold out, supporters can still secure seats for the third and final Test at FNB Stadium. Tickets for that encounter are priced between R1,650 and R4,000, with availability remaining despite the fierce rivalry between the two rugby giants.
Although interest in the Springboks remains exceptionally high, the slow ticket sales for the provincial fixtures have raised some concerns. However, the sold-out status of the first two Tests indicates that the appetite for the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry remains strong among South African rugby fans.
What to Expect from the Springboks vs All Blacks Clashes
The Springboks and All Blacks share one of the most storied rivalries in international rugby. With the Springboks being the reigning world champions and the All Blacks consistently ranked among the top teams globally, these matches promise to deliver high-intensity rugby action.
South African fans will be hoping to see the Springboks continue their dominance on home soil, while the All Blacks will be determined to claim victory in what is always one of the toughest tours in world rugby. The addition of the Baltimore Test adds an exciting international dimension to the rivalry.
How to Watch the Springboks vs All Blacks Matches
South African rugby fans can watch the Test matches live on SuperSport, the official broadcaster of Springboks matches. The provincial fixtures will also be available on the same platform. Fans are encouraged to check their local listings for exact channel details.
For the Baltimore Test, viewers will need to stay up late as the match kicks off at 23:00 SA time. The late kick-off time reflects the time difference between South Africa and the United States, with the match being played in the early evening in Baltimore.
Springboks Squad and Preparations
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to name a strong squad for the tour, with the world champions looking to maintain their winning record against the All Blacks. The squad will feature a mix of experienced veterans and exciting young talent as the Springboks build towards the Rugby World Cup.
The All Blacks, under their coaching staff, will bring a formidable squad to South Africa, including some of the world’s best players. The tour will serve as crucial preparation for both teams ahead of future international competitions.
Conclusion: A Historic Rugby Tour
The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour is set to be one of the most exciting rugby events of 2026. With three Tests in South Africa and a historic fourth Test in Baltimore, the Springboks and All Blacks will write another chapter in their legendary rivalry.
South African rugby fans are encouraged to secure their tickets early for the remaining matches and to tune in to support the Springboks as they face their greatest rivals on home soil and abroad.