Kolisi Anticipates Epic Clash: Springboks vs All Blacks in 2026

Siya Kolisi Anticipates a “Huge” Series Between South Africa and New Zealand in 2026

South Africa’s rugby captain, Siya Kolisi, has expressed his enthusiasm for the four-match home series against New Zealand in September 2026. This event promises to be a significant milestone for both the Springboks and the franchise teams that will face the All Blacks. The news of this important series, which marks the All Blacks’ first visit to South Africa in 30 years, was recently confirmed. This clash, known as “The Greatest Rugby Rivalry”, will also see the Boks travel to New Zealand in 2030, in what will be their first tour 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, shared his feelings about the series. “These are the tours we’ve only heard about. Experiencing this for the first time, as a Lions tour, is incredible for us as a group.” The player also added: “I have no doubt that the Springbok fans will be there waiting to welcome the 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 faced the All Blacks in the recent Rugby Championship, which the Springboks retained after a difficult start to the tournament.The All Blacks captain, Scott Barrett, also expressed his excitement for this rivalry.

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.

Scott Barrett

Barrett added that the intensity will be high and that it will be a great tour, with a format that will excite the fans.

“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)