Kolisi Anticipates Epic Clash: Springboks vs All Blacks in 2026

Siya Kolisi Anticipates a “Huge” Series Against New Zealand in 2026

The captain of the South African rugby team, Siya Kolisi, has expressed his enthusiasm for the series of four home matches against New Zealand in September 2026. Kolisi believes that this event will be of great importance for the Springboks and for the franchise teams that will face the All Blacks. The South African Rugby Union (SA Rugby) confirmed that the All Blacks will tour South Africa for a major series for the first time in 30 years, calling it “The Greatest Rugby Rivalry”. The Boks will return the favor in 2030, traveling to New Zealand for a tour for the first time in the professional era.

This is going to be something huge and something this generation will never forget.

Siya Kolisi

Kolisi, who has led the Boks in two consecutive World Cups, commented on the SA Rugby website:

These are the tours we’ve only heard about. To experience this for the first time, as a Lions tour, is incredible for us as a group.

Siya Kolisi

Kolisi also added:

I have no doubt that Springboks fans will be waiting to welcome All Blacks fans to South Africa. Let’s get excited; let’s support it and, people of South Africa, it’s an opportunity for us to show the world once again who we are and what we are about, we certainly can’t wait.

Siya Kolisi

The All Blacks captain, Scott Barrett, also shared his enthusiasm:

This is a great rivalry, and one that is based on mutual respect, but for 80 minutes these are two teams that give it their all every time they play. The intensity is very high, and it shapes up to be a great tour. The format will be great, and there will be many excited fans watching from home, and traveling with us as well. We look forward to it.

Scott Barrett

“The Greatest Rugby Rivalry” Tour Calendar

• Friday, August 7: DHL Stormers vs. New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
• Tuesday, August 11: Hollywoodbets Sharks vs. New Zealand at Hollywoodbets Kings Park, Durban
• Saturday, August 15: Vodacom Bulls vs. New Zealand at Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
• Saturday, August 22: First Test – South Africa vs. New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
• Tuesday, August 25: Lions vs. New Zealand at Ellis Park, Johannesburg
• Saturday, August 29: Second Test – South Africa vs. New Zealand at DHL Stadium, Cape Town
• Saturday, September 5: Third Test – South Africa vs. New Zealand at FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
• Saturday, September 12: Fourth Test – South Africa vs. New Zealand (venue to be announced)