Rassie: Boks Fired Up to Make It Five in a Row Against All Blacks
The Springboks are heading into one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries with history and confidence on their side. Rassie Erasmus’ men will aim to extend their winning streak against the All Blacks. They seek to achieve five consecutive victories when the two giants clash in the Rugby Championship over the next fortnight.
Rivalry Renewed in New Zealand
The Boks and All Blacks are set to meet in back-to-back matches in Auckland on 6 September and Wellington on 13 September. Both games promise intensity, with the competition finely balanced after two rounds.
New Zealand currently top the standings on six log points, while Australia sit just behind on five. South Africa and Argentina are level on four. Each of the four teams has recorded one win and one defeat so far.
The Boks returned to form with a spirited 30-22 victory over Australia in Cape Town last weekend. Erasmus admitted that the result not only steadied the campaign but also injected confidence into his squad before boarding the plane to New Zealand.
Erasmus Warns of All Blacks’ Motivation
Speaking ahead of the tour, Erasmus emphasised the significance of the matches. “We are under no illusions that both games are going to be massive,” he said. “Every encounter with the All Blacks carries weight, and given the rivalry, the challenge will be immense.
“We’ve beaten them in our last four meetings, something that’s only been done once before in our history. That will definitely serve as motivation for both sides. For us, it’s about building on our progress this year and taking things to another level.”
The Boks’ four consecutive wins over their arch-rivals began with a 35-7 triumph in London in 2023. This was followed by a nail-biting 12-11 victory in Paris at the Rugby World Cup. In 2024, they secured back-to-back home wins. They edged New Zealand 31-27 in Johannesburg and clinched an 18-12 victory in Cape Town.
Squad Boosted by Key Returnees
Erasmus has named a 36-man squad for the tour, with several senior figures making timely returns. Captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Willie le Roux all missed the Wallabies clash. However, they will travel to New Zealand. Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Jean-Luc du Preez also rejoin the group after recovering from illness and injuries.
The Boks will, however, be without wings Edwill van der Merwe and Kurt-Lee Arendse, who have both been sidelined due to injury setbacks. Their absence opens the door for depth testing in the backline. Meanwhile, Erasmus will likely lean on experienced campaigners to provide stability in pressure situations.
History Beckons for the Springboks
South Africa’s dominance over the All Blacks in recent meetings has sparked renewed belief among fans. They hold hope that the world champions can achieve something special. The Boks’ current run of four straight victories equals their second-best sequence against New Zealand in history.
Their finest streak remains the six consecutive wins recorded between 1937 and 1949. That remarkable run included victories in Christchurch and Auckland in 1937, followed by triumphs in Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban and Port Elizabeth in 1949.
Erasmus acknowledged the historical context but insisted the team’s focus lies firmly on the present. “We’ll use the time in New Zealand to adapt to conditions and time zones. By the time we run out in Auckland, we’ll be fully prepared for the challenge ahead,” he said.
Fired Up for Another Chapter
The Springboks arrive in New Zealand knowing the All Blacks will be desperate to halt their losing streak. Meanwhile, they themselves are motivated to continue rewriting history. With the Rugby Championship delicately poised, the upcoming clashes promise to deliver another unforgettable chapter in rugby’s greatest rivalry.
Related article: Springboks Announce Full Squad for New Zealand Tour as Kolisi Returns
