Kolisi Anticipates Epic Clash: Springboks vs All Blacks in 2026

Siya Kolisi Anticipates an Epic Series between South Africa and New Zealand in 2026

The captain of the South African men’s rugby team, Siya Kolisi, has expressed his enthusiasm for the four-match home series against New Zealand in September 2026. This event promises to be a milestone for the Springboks and for the franchise teams that will face the All Blacks. The official announcement, which confirms the All Blacks’ visit to South Africa for the first time in 30 years, has been described as “The greatest rivalry in rugby.” The Springboks will return the visit in 2030, marking their first tour of New Zealand 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 Springboks to consecutive World Cup victories, highlighted the importance of this series. “These are the tours we’ve only heard about. Experiencing this for the first time, like a Lions tour, is incredible for us as a group.” The captain 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 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 shared his enthusiasm: “This is a great rivalry, and it’s 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’s shaping 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 too. We can’t wait.”

Schedule of matches for “The Greatest Rugby Rivalry”

• 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)