The forthcoming Rugby World Cup final presents a monumental clash between two formidable rivals, New Zealand and South Africa. These rugby powerhouses consider this showdown as the pinnacle of their sport, aiming to secure a record fourth global title on Saturday.
This fierce rivalry, which has spanned over a century, has witnessed political upheaval, countless physically demanding encounters, a previous World Cup final, and even a rare 0-0 draw.
In this historic fixture, New Zealand currently holds the upper hand with 62 wins to South Africa’s 39 in 105 matches, establishing themselves as the only nation with a negative win-loss ratio against the Springboks.
Conversely, New Zealand faces its lowest win percentage (59%) against any opponent when facing the Springboks.
South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, describes this clash as “the biggest sporting rivalry in history.” Former New Zealand winger, Jeff Wilson, highlights its significance in connecting the two nations. “It is such an important part of the two countries and how they are connected,” Wilson noted. “It is competitive on the field, but you can see off it there is a healthy respect.”
This storied rivalry commenced in 1921, when South Africa embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand, resulting in a three-match test series that ended in a draw. The final game concluded in a rare 0-0 tie, despite horrendous playing conditions. This tour laid the foundation for a complex and enduring relationship.
Notably, rugby tours persisted throughout the contentious Apartheid era until 1981, when South Africa undertook a series of three tests in New Zealand that were marred by protests and interruptions.
South Africa’s presence on New Zealand soil during those years stirred a potent blend of political and sporting sentiment. The All Blacks secured a 2-1 series victory over the Springboks, with the third test marred by flour bombs dropped onto the field and violence outside the stadium.
In 1986, a group of New Zealand players, dubbed the “Cavaliers,” embarked on an unofficial tour of South Africa, donning their iconic all-black kit with a yellow trim. This tour came in the wake of a canceled official visit planned for 1985 due to a legal challenge in New Zealand. The Cavaliers, featuring 28 players from the previous official tour’s roster, faced South Africa in an unofficial test series, with the Springboks prevailing 3-1 against an All Blacks team nearly at full strength.
South Africa’s official return to international rugby occurred in 1992, and it culminated in a World Cup final clash with New Zealand in 1995 in Johannesburg. Guided by the inspirational presence of President Nelson Mandela, the home team secured an epic 15-12 extra-time victory over the favored All Blacks, courtesy of a match-winning drop-goal by flyhalf Joel Stransky.
Over the years, these two rugby giants have met five times in the Rugby World Cup, with New Zealand claiming three victories to South Africa’s two. Recent encounters have seen the Springboks triumph in three out of the last five clashes, including a record test defeat of their arch-rivals with a resounding 35-7 victory in London in August.
As the Rugby World Cup final looms, both nations are preparing for a showdown that will not only determine the world champion but also serve as a testament to the enduring spirit of one of rugby’s most storied rivalries.
