Springboks host All Blacks on historic four-test tour spanning South Africa to Baltimore

A new “Greatest Rivalry” rugby tour sees South Africa’s Springboks and New Zealand’s All Blacks meeting in a four-test series that starts with provincial games against the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls in Cape Town and ends with a test in Baltimore, United States. The first test is scheduled for August 22 in Johannesburg, followed by a Lions match and a second test in Cape Town, after which three back-to-back tests will be played from August 29 to September 12 in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Baltimore.

The tour revives an extended South African visit not seen for 30 years, when New Zealand won a 2-1 series, and will be repeated every four years, with New Zealand hosting in 2030. Cancellation of this year’s Rugby Championship allowed the schedule, and SARU promised a ticket-price review after criticism of high costs and the Baltimore venue. Former All Black Jeff Wilson argued the extra U.S. test was unnecessary, while SARU chief executive Rian Oberholzer defended it as vital for financial stability and to tap the American market before the 2031 World Cup. Coaches Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie have remained tight-lipped, and the Springboks arrive with 11 consecutive test wins and five of the last six victories over the All Blacks, including a 43-10 win in Wellington.