The stage is set for one of the biggest rugby clashes of the year when the Springboks face the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, August 22, in the opening Test of the new Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10, with the match expected to attract a huge crowd as the two most successful nations in world rugby renew one of the sport’s fiercest rivalries.
The match will also mark the beginning of a four-Test battle between South Africa and New Zealand, with further encounters scheduled for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore in the United States.
The Springboks go into Saturday’s encounter with considerable confidence after winning five of their last six meetings against the All Blacks, including their memorable 12-11 victory in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final and a record 43-10 triumph in Wellington last year.
However, New Zealand have arrived in South Africa determined to make a statement. The All Blacks have already beaten the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls during their tour, giving them plenty of momentum heading into the first Test.
Kolisi surprise
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has sprung a major surprise by leaving captain Siya Kolisi out of the starting XV despite confirming that the flanker is fit enough to play.
Kolisi has been managing a hamstring problem, but Erasmus has opted not to risk him from the start. Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks, while Paul de Villiers comes into the starting team.
There is also a major milestone for centre Damian de Allende, who will earn his 100th Springbok Test cap against the All Blacks.
De Allende will partner Jesse Kriel in midfield, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts at fly-half and Grant Williams at scrumhalf.
The All Blacks will be led by Ardie Savea, with Damian McKenzie starting at fullback and Ruben Love wearing the number 10 jersey.
Tickets still available
Rugby fans who want to witness the historic encounter at Ellis Park can still purchase tickets through the official ticketing channels.
SA Rugby says tickets for Springbok matches in South Africa, including the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series, are sold through its official ticketing platform.
“Buy Springboks vs All Blacks tickets – official SA Rugby ticketing” (https://reference-url-citation.invalid/7)
Fans can also access ticket information through the official Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry ticket portal.
Hospitality packages are also being offered, although these come at considerably higher prices. One hospitality provider is advertising packages for the Ellis Park Test from R14,394 per person excluding VAT.
With the rivalry producing some of the most memorable matches in rugby history, Saturday’s encounter promises to be another major chapter.
For the Springboks, it is an opportunity to maintain their recent dominance over their old rivals. For the All Blacks, it is a chance to silence the home crowd and send an early warning that they have come to South Africa to compete for the series.
At Ellis Park, where rugby history has repeatedly been written, the latest chapter of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry is about to begin.