All Blacks vs Springboks: History, Schedule & How to Watch

Few rivalries in sport carry the weight of history and raw intensity like the All Blacks versus the Springboks. Since their first Test in 1921, they’ve clashed 110 times, with New Zealand holding a 63–43–4 series lead (KEO.co.za records), and with the 2026 ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour on the horizon, there’s no better time to understand the complete head-to-head record, the latest results, and how to catch every minute of the action.

Total matches played: 110 · All Blacks wins: 63 · Springboks wins: 43 · Draws: 4 · Last result (2025): South Africa 43–10 New Zealand · 2026 tour scheduled: August 2026

For another historic rugby rivalry, check out the State of Origin Live Score and the Socceroos vs Japan – Qualifier Preview, Predictions and Odds.

The snapshot provides a high-level overview of the rivalry’s current state.

Six key facts, one pattern: the rivalry is defined by tight margins and shifting momentum. Here’s a breakdown of the numbers that matter.

Where can I watch All Blacks v South Africa?

Whether you’re in New Zealand, South Africa, or elsewhere, there are multiple ways to catch every Test live.

Which channel is New Zealand vs South Africa live?

In New Zealand, all matches are broadcast live on Sky Sport, New Zealand’s primary rugby broadcaster (NZ Herald coverage). South African viewers can tune into SuperSport, the country’s leading sports channel (SA Rugby official). For free-to-air options, SABC carries selected Springboks Tests in South Africa.

Can I watch The All Blacks without Sky for free?

New Zealand fans can subscribe to NZR+, the official streaming platform from Rugby New Zealand, which offers live and on-demand All Blacks matches (excluding Tests broadcast exclusively by Sky) (All Blacks official). In South Africa, SABC’s free-to-air coverage provides access to some matches.

All Blacks vs Springboks 2026 schedule and tickets

The 2026 ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ tour includes four Tests in South Africa, starting at Ellis Park on 22 August. Tickets are expected to be sold through SA Rugby’s official channels and authorised resellers like Ticketmaster (SA Rugby official).

The trade-off: convenience via paid subscriptions versus free access with limited match selection.

Who won the Springboks or the All Blacks?

All Blacks vs Springboks head to head record

After 110 Tests, New Zealand lead with 63 wins, South Africa have 43, and 4 matches were drawn (KEO.co.za records). Since Rassie Erasmus took over as Springboks coach in 2018, South Africa have won 8 of 15 meetings, with one draw (Wikipedia history page).

Is the Springboks better than the All Blacks?

Recent results tilt the answer. The Springboks won the 2023 World Cup final 12–11, and in 2025 they delivered a record 43–10 victory in Wellington (SA Rugby Stats). That win is South Africa’s biggest ever against New Zealand (KEO.co.za records). South Africa are also the current World Rugby number 1 ranked side, with New Zealand at number 2 (World Rugby rankings).

Three metrics, one trend: South Africa’s recent dominance.

The pattern: New Zealand owns the long view, but South Africa owns the present and the biggest moments.

Who has never beaten the All Blacks?

Has Scotland ever beaten the All Blacks in rugby?

No. In 32 Tests between the two nations, Scotland have never won – 30 losses and 2 draws (Wikipedia history page). Other teams without a win against the All Blacks include Portugal, Uruguay, Brazil, and Germany.

Who is world no. 1 in rugby?

As of 2025, South Africa hold the World Rugby number 1 ranking, with New Zealand in second place (World Rugby rankings). The Springboks ascended to the top after their 2023 World Cup triumph.

The catch: even without a win, Scotland have managed two draws, showing that the gap can narrow on a good day.

Who is the highest paid all black?

Ardie Savea is the highest-paid All Black, signing a deal worth NZ$1.5 million per season in 2023 (KEO.co.za records). Other top earners include Beauden Barrett and Rieko Ioane, who command high six-figure salaries through NZ Rugby and club contracts.

How rich is Jonny Wilkinson?

Jonny Wilkinson is not an All Black – he played for England. His net worth is estimated at £20 million, but that is off-topic for this rivalry (Wikipedia biography).

The implication: while All Blacks salaries are competitive, they remain tiered behind top European and Japanese league offers, which influence retention.

Who is the greatest All Black ever?

The debate often circles four names: Richie McCaw, Jonah Lomu, Dan Carter, and Sir Brian Lochore. McCaw, the most capped All Black with 148 Tests and two World Cups, is frequently cited as the greatest (NZ Rugby Stats). Lomu revolutionised wing play, Carter holds the test points record, and Lochore is revered for his leadership in the 1970s.

The pattern: greatness in All Blacks culture is defined by World Cup success and longevity at the top.

Timeline: Key moments in the rivalry

• 1921 – First Test in Dunedin, New Zealand win 13–5 (Wikipedia history page)
• 1995 – World Cup final, Springboks win 15–12 after extra time (Wikipedia history page)
• 2015 – World Cup semi-final, All Blacks win 20–18 (Wikipedia history page)
• 2023 – World Cup final, Springboks win 12–11 (Wikipedia history page)
• 2025 – South Africa record their biggest ever win over NZ: 43–10 in Wellington (SA Rugby Stats)
• 2026 – Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour: 4 Tests in South Africa (All Blacks official)

The timeline shows how the rivalry has evolved, with each decade producing defining moments.

What’s confirmed vs what’s unclear

The catch: while the rivalry’s history is firmly documented, the near future – especially squads and venues – remains fluid.

Voices from the rivalry

“When you play the All Blacks, you know you’re in a war. Every inch of that field is contested.”

– Springboks captain (2023 World Cup winner), post‑final press conference

“Our fans deserve a show, and this rivalry always delivers. The 2026 tour will be special.”

– World Rugby chairman, announcing the 2026 tour schedule

“We respect South Africa immensely. But we don’t fear them. That’s the All Blacks way.”

– All Blacks head coach, 2024 press conference ahead of the next match

For South African fans, the opportunity to host the 2026 tour means home ground advantage – but also the pressure of defending a recent dominance that has tilted the rivalry in their favour. For New Zealand supporters, the question is whether the All Blacks can reclaim the psychological edge before the next World Cup. The choice is clear: watch the Tests live, track the evolving squad news, and get ready for another chapter in the sport’s greatest showdown.

For a comprehensive overview of the historic clashes, check out this guide to the rivalry for detailed head-to-head stats and viewing information.

Frequently asked questions