{"id":40584,"date":"2026-08-21T11:18:40","date_gmt":"2026-08-21T09:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=40584"},"modified":"2026-08-21T11:18:41","modified_gmt":"2026-08-21T09:18:41","slug":"springboks-vs-all-blacks-at-ellis-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/springboks-vs-all-blacks-at-ellis-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Springboks vs All Blacks at Ellis Park: Match Preview, Stats, Team News and Everything You Need to Know"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springboks will host New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in the opening match of the four Test Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry series. The fixture marks the first time since 1996 that the All Blacks have embarked on a traditional tour of South Africa, with Ellis Park hosting the opening encounter before the series moves to Cape Town, Johannesburg&#8217;s FNB Stadium and Baltimore in the United States. The Test also sees Damian de Allende earn his 100th Springbok cap, while coach Rassie Erasmus begins a carefully managed four match series that he believes will be decided later rather than in the opening fixture.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-1010188008\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is the 111th Test between two of rugby&#8217;s most successful nations and another chapter in one of international sport&#8217;s fiercest rivalries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/springboks-and-all-blacks-battle\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Springboks and All Blacks Brace for Brutal Ellis Park Battle as Scrum and Breakdown Take Centre Stage<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ellis Park Hosts the Opening Test of Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Johannesburg will once again be the centre of the rugby world when Ellis Park welcomes the Springboks and All Blacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to SA Rugby, the<a href=\"https:\/\/supersport.com\/rugby\/news\/45ca909c-3373-4bc3-a766-b4f0b557932b\/springboks-switch-into-full-rgr-mode-in-johannesburg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"> match begins a four Test series <\/a>that will continue in Cape Town, at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg and conclude in Baltimore.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The series also marks New Zealand&#8217;s first traditional rugby tour of South Africa in three decades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rassie Erasmus Says the Series Will Not Be Won on Saturday<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said winning the opening Test is important, but managing players across the full series remains the priority.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Erasmus, experience from previous international series has shown that squad depth often becomes decisive as injuries accumulate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said he expected both teams to suffer injuries during the tour and believes the third and fourth Tests could prove decisive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;We will definitely try our utmost to win the first Test match. But this is definitely not the game that will determine the series,&#8221; Erasmus said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springbok coach also confirmed that Siya Kolisi, Lood de Jager and Franco Mostert were close to returning from injury but were not yet ready for selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Damian de Allende Joins an Exclusive Springbok Club<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saturday&#8217;s Test will be a memorable occasion for Damian de Allende, who becomes only the tenth player in Springbok history to reach 100 Test appearances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">De Allende made his international debut against Argentina in 2014 and has become one of South Africa&#8217;s most experienced midfield players.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Erasmus described him as a player whose tactical understanding is as valuable as his physical presence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3712251001\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Several Springboks Close in on Major Milestones<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Several members of the squad will also move closer to personal milestones during the opening Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Damian de Allende earns his 100th Test cap.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pieter Steph du Toit plays his 99th Test and could join the Springbok centurions next week.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Eben Etzebeth extends his national record to 143 Test caps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ox Nche earns his 49th Test appearance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Jasper Wiese moves within three appearances of 50 Test caps.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Manie Libbok requires three points to reach 150 international points.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">By the Numbers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saturday&#8217;s Test brings together two of rugby&#8217;s most successful nations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Key statistics include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tests played: 110<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Springbok wins: 43<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>All Blacks wins: 63<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Draws: 4<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Springbok win percentage: 39%<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Springbok points scored: 1 850<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Points conceded: 2 269<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tries scored: 181<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tries conceded: 248<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite New Zealand&#8217;s overall advantage, recent history has favoured South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springboks have won five of their last six meetings against the All Blacks since August 2023, including the Rugby World Cup final in France.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The last meeting at Ellis Park came during the 2024 Rugby Championship, where South Africa won 31 to 27.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Experience Could Prove Crucial<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springbok starting team brings extensive Test experience into the opening encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to SA Rugby:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Total starting caps: 850<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forward caps: 477<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Backline caps: 373<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bench caps: 193<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The average experience within the starting side stands at 53 caps for the backline and 60 caps among the forwards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Makes This Rivalry Different<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Few sporting rivalries match the history shared by South Africa and New Zealand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Every meeting carries significant historical weight, with both teams consistently competing for the top position in world rugby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The four Test format also adds another dimension to the contest, requiring coaches to balance immediate results with player management across a demanding month long series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-3712251001\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ellis Park&#8217;s hosting of the opening Test once again places Johannesburg at the centre of international rugby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fixture is expected to attract thousands of supporters to the city, providing a boost for hotels, restaurants, transport providers and businesses around the stadium precinct.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For supporters unable to attend, the match represents the beginning of another major international sporting occasion that will keep Gauteng in the national and international spotlight over the coming weeks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When is the Springboks versus All Blacks Test?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opening Test takes place on Saturday, 22 August 2026, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is this series significant?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It is New Zealand&#8217;s first traditional rugby tour of South Africa since 1996 and the teams will contest four Test matches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which Springbok reaches 100 Test caps?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Damian de Allende will earn his 100th international appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who captains the Springboks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pieter Steph du Toit will captain the side in the opening Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What is the Springboks&#8217; overall record against New Zealand?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa has played New Zealand 110 times, winning 43 matches, losing 63 and drawing four.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opening Test at Ellis Park promises another significant chapter in one of rugby&#8217;s greatest rivalries. While the Springboks will be aiming to begin the series with a victory on home soil, both teams know that the contest extends far beyond Saturday&#8217;s result. With milestone appearances, experienced squads and four Tests still to play, the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand is once again set to capture the attention of rugby supporters across Gauteng and beyond.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Springboks will host New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026, in the opening match of the four Test Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry series. The fixture marks the first time since 1996 that the All Blacks have embarked on a traditional tour of South Africa, with Ellis Park hosting the opening encounter before the series moves to Cape Town, Johannesburg&#8217;s FNB Stadium and Baltimore in the United States. The Test also sees Damian de Allende earn his 100th Springbok cap, while coach Rassie Erasmus begins a carefully managed four match series that he believes will be decided later rather than in the opening fixture.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":40588,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"springboks,all blacks","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[11793,870,873],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-40584","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-ellis-park","tag-rugby-in-gauteng","tag-springboks"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40584","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40584"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40584\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40587,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40584\/revisions\/40587"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40588"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40584"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40584"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40584"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=40584"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}