Springboks gear up for All Blacks “Greatest Rivalry” series in South Africa
The Rugby Greatest Rivalry series pits South Africa's Springboks against New Zealand's All Blacks in a four‑Test tour in August 2024. Three matches are scheduled on South African soil – Ellis Park in Johannesburg, Cape Town Stadium and FNB Stadium in Soweto – with a neutral test to be played at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium on 12 September.
Springboks enter the series as world champions after a 43‑10 victory over New Zealand in their last encounter, and betting odds favour them for the first three home Tests. The final test in Baltimore is viewed as a tighter contest. Coach Rassie Erasmus, who has highlighted squad depth by rotating 43 players in the Nations Championship, has extended his contract through 2031 and will lead the side at the 2027 and 2031 Rugby World Cups. Captain Siya Kolisi is expected to retain the captaincy for 2027.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann called the All Blacks’ visit to Loftus Versfeld on 15 August a full official match that will test his squad and help integrate new talent after several departures. Meanwhile, SA Rugby is already looking at future leadership, with former assistant Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids and Glasgow‑based Franco Smith named as leading candidates to succeed Erasmus as head coach.
The series marks the first full All Blacks tour of South Africa since 1996, reviving a rivalry that has become the biggest betting storyline in three decades.
Entities: All Blacks · Baltimore MT&T Bank Stadium · Ellis Park Stadium · Johan Ackermann · Lukhanyo Am · Mzwandile Stick · New Zealand national rugby union team (All Blacks) · Rassie Erasmus · South Africa national rugby union team (Springboks) · Springboks
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Betting markets favor the Springboks for the first three home Tests, with the fourth test in Baltimore being more evenly matched. (Betting odds analysis)
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Rugby Greatest Rivalry series between South Africa and New Zealand will be held in August 2024 with three tests in South Africa and a fourth in Baltimore, USA. (Series schedule details)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The last full All Blacks tour of South Africa took place in 1996. (Historical context)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Bulls coach Johan Ackermann said the All Blacks will play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on 15 August as part of the tour. (Coach interview)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Rassie Erasmus extended his contract as Springboks head coach through 2031. (SA Rugby announcement)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Potential successors to Erasmus as head coach include Mzwandile Stick, Deon Davids, and Franco Smith. (Coaching candidate list)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Siya Kolisi is expected to captain the Springboks at the 2027 Rugby World Cup. (Future captaincy outlook)
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Springboks entered the series as world champions after a 43‑10 win over New Zealand in their last meeting. (Betting market analysis)