All Blacks beat Springboks in Ellis Park test to take series lead
The All Blacks defeated the Springboks 33-16 in their first test in Johannesburg to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
The All Blacks won their opening test against the Springboks at Ellis Park with a 33-16 victory. The All Blacks weathered early Springbok dominance in the scrum and physical play before overcoming the hosts in a match that saw several controversial refereeing decisions. The win gave Dave Rennie's side a 1-0 lead in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series before the second test in Cape Town.
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Coverage across the news outlets we track, as at publication.
What outlets are saying
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Sharks: Kickoff times, how to watch – all you need to know
All Blacks v Sharks – 5am, Wednesday
Stuff
Why All Blacks shadow test XV must slay the Sharks in Durban
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has wheeled out his big cannons for the match against the Sharks and will expect significant improvements after the shaky win over the Stormers.
1News
'Itchy feet' – Ardie Savea excited about reuniting with All Blacks
The All Blacks skipper talks to 1News about his two-week break and his thoughts on the critics who say he should be in South Africa already.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Sharks live updates: Luke Jacobson leads side in second tour match
Live updates of the tour clash between the All Blacks and the Sharks in Durban.
1News
Live updates: All Blacks v Sharks
The All Blacks take on the Sharks in the second match of their South Africa series, kicking off at 5am.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Sharks: Ma’a Nonu responds to All Blacks haka before tour match in Durban
The All Blacks great performed Kapa o Pango in response to the All Blacks' haka.
1News
Watch: Ma'a Nonu performs powerful solo haka in front of All Blacks
In a stunning moment, the All Blacks legend stepped forward to answer his old team's challenge by performing Kapa o Pango.
Stuff
Watch: All Blacks run Sharks ragged in soggy Durban
Wing Fehi Fineanganofo grabbed two tries, and Ruben Love was excellent off the tee, as the All Blacks hammered the Sharks 54-0 in Durban.
Stuff
Watch: Ma'a Nonu responds to All Blacks with a stirring solo haka
The former All Blacks great provided a moment even before he took the field for the Sharks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Sharks: Dave Rennie’s side claim dominant win but Damian McKenzie injury could spark concerns
This performance was a step forward from their scrappy opening win over the Stormers.
Otago Daily Times
All Blacks thump Sharks by 54 points in Durban
1News
All Blacks blitz Sharks with eight-try romp in the wet
The All Blacks went up a level from their tour opener with an attacking performance that was irresistible at times.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Sharks: Dave Rennie’s side claim dominant win but Damian McKenzie injury could spark concerns
By Liam Napier at Kings Park
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Sharks player ratings: Dave Rennie’s weapons that should worry the Springboks – Opinion
OPINION: How the All Blacks rated in victory on a wet night in Durban.
Stuff
Key playmaker dodges serious injury as All Blacks weighs up replacement options
Anxious All Blacks fans worried by the sight of Damian McKenzie leaving the field with a heavily strapped ankle need not fret.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: Dave Rennie remains a realist after eight-try trouncing of Sharks
Ten days out from the opening Springboks test, the All Blacks are content but by no means complacent.
Newstalk ZB
Wednesday 12 August 2026: All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan on their clash this morning against the Sharks
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave for 12 August 2026, the All Blacks have begun the Greatest Rivalry Tour with back-to-back wins as they convincingly destroyed the Sharks 54-0 in Durban this morning.
Newstalk ZB
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the All Blacks defeating the Sharks 54-nil
The All Blacks are continuing to find the balance between physical dominance and a wide-ranging, up-tempo approach.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Bulls: Damian McKenzie not expected to be out for long after injury against Sharks
New Zealand face the Bulls in Pretoria on August 16 at 5am NZT.
Stuff
Ma’a Nonu’s Sharks had no bite but the All Blacks still learned plenty
ANALYSIS: When the Sharks were forced to field a 44-year-old midfielder in Ma’a Nonu against the All Blacks, it was clear they were in trouble. Is this good for the “Great Rivalry’’ tour?
Stuff
Why Ma'a Nonu was reluctant to perform solo haka to All Blacks, and what swayed him
Tana Umaga said his old team-mate was unsure on how to handle his emotions when thinking about staring down the All Blacks’ haka with the Sharks.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Bulls: Live Commentary on Newstalk ZB Sport
The All Blacks have one last chance to refine their game before taking on the Springboks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Bulls: Kickoff times, how to watch – all you need to know
Codie Taylor will captain the All Blacks in Pretoria.
Stuff
All Blacks set for final trial ahead of Springboks tests
All you need to know ahead of the All Blacks v Bulls match in Pretoria on Sunday morning (NZT).
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Bulls: Live updates from the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour match in Pretoria
Follow the action as the All Blacks take on the Bulls in Pretoria.
1News
Live updates: All Blacks v Bulls
The All Blacks are back in action in South Africa on Sunday morning at 5am.
Stuff
All Blacks’ run-and-gun tactics stun Bulls in Pretoria
Hooker Codie Taylor, openside flanker Anton Segner, wings Josh Moorby and Leroy Carter and centre Rieko Ioane topped the list of players who thrived as the All Blacks fired-up their high-tempo game to beat the Bulls 50-19.
Stuff
All Blacks player ratings: Tell us how they performed against the Bulls
We want your take on how each of the All Blacks performed against Bulls.
NZ Herald
All Blacks overpower Bulls in Pretoria with eight-try performance
All Blacks crush Bulls 50-19 in Pretoria ahead of their Springboks test.
1News
Anton Segner shines as All Blacks run over the Bulls
The loose forward appears set for a role in the first Test against the Boks after a standout performance for the All Blacks in their win in Pretoria.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks overpower Bulls in Pretoria with eight-try performance
By Liam Napier in Pretoria
Otago Daily Times
All Blacks run in eight tries to banish Bulls
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Bulls player ratings: Anton Segner and Josh Moorby make strong case for test selection
OPINION: One back and one forward in particular have made strong cases for test selection.
Stuff
Watch: Referee takes rare step to overrule TMO, award try against All Blacks
Nika Amashukeli stuck with his decision and chose not to act on the advice of the TMO telling him to disallow a Bulls try in the tour match in Pretoria.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Bulls: World media reacts as Dave Rennie’s side win big in Pretoria
The All Blacks overwhelmed the Bulls with a high-tempo attacking display.
Stuff
All Blacks ‘might be forgiven for being lulled into false sense of primacy’
The All Blacks completed a hat-trick of tour wins by downing the Bulls in Pretoria in their final match before meeting the Springboks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: ABs showed they won’t be intimidated by South Africa’s power – Phil Gifford
OPINION: Richie Mo'unga and Ruben Love deserve more credit, Phil Gifford argues.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Ollie Norris sent home with injury; Noah Hotham called into squad
He's the fourth All Black to be sent home from the tour due to injury.
Stuff
How Bulls exposed All Blacks' soft underbelly before Springboks showdown
While Tana Umaga would have been unimpressed by the All Blacks leaking two tries off set pieces against the Bulls, Springboks attack coach Tony Brown may have jumped to his feet and punched the air with delight.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: All Blacks accused of seeing themselves as ‘the saviours of rugby’
A South African pundit says the Springboks reject the All Blacks' preferred style of play.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: All Blacks accused of seeing themselves as ‘the saviours of rugby’
Springboks v All Blacks, 3am Sunday
Stuff
Dave Rennie's big man gamble for Springboks rumble
Patrick Tuipulotu is the most experienced lock in the All Blacks but has never played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. Will he finally get his chance?
NZ Herald
Springboks v All Blacks: Fit-again Tyrel Lomax key to Ellis Park scrum
ANALYSIS: Springboks are expected to unleash their power game against the All Blacks.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: Injury exits and arrivals during Greatest Rivalry tour
The All Blacks started the tour of South Africa with 43 players but that number is closing in on a half century through the opening three matches, after a number of injuries. Before the naming of the initial squad, Scott…
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Top 10 tests as ranked by rugby expert Phil Gifford
OPINION: The All Blacks-Springboks tests that have made the biggest impact.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Ruben Love’s rise to No 10 after injuries and self-doubt
All Blacks playmaker talks seizing the No 10 jersey, saying he hasn't done anything yet.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Speed versus power at the heart of first test – Gregor Paul
ANALYSIS: The All Blacks want speed, not to change South African rugby.
NZ Herald
Springboks: Nelson Mandela, Francois Pienaar, apartheid and Louis Luyt – best and worst of South African rugby – Phil Gifford
OPINION: Phil Gifford revisits the remarkable figures behind the Springboks’ story.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Advantage NZ? Why Boks coach’s antics show home side running scared – Gregor Paul
ANALYSIS: For the first time in a long time, Rassie Erasmus appears to be running scared.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: All you need to know and live commentary on Newstalk ZB
The All Blacks and Springboks will finally face each other during Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.
Stuff
All Blacks player ratings: Tell us how they performed against the Boks
We want your take on how each of the All Blacks performed against the Springboks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Referee Matthew Carley overrules TMO on Ardie Savea tackle leaving fans fuming
The All Blacks captain avoided a yellow card as his side beat the Springboks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks player ratings: The two All Blacks who scored nines in comeback win
How the All Blacks rated in their 33-16 win over South Africa at Ellis Park.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: Referee Matthew Carley overrules TMO on Ardie Savea tackle leaving fans fuming
Referee Matthew Carley’s decision to overrule the TMO in the All Blacks first test against the Springboks over a supposed high shot from Ardie Savea has infuriated South African fans.
Newstalk ZB
Jason Ryan: All Blacks assistant coach on the team beating the Springboks at Ellis Park
All Blacks forwards coach Jason Ryan has explained what went wrong in the scrums in the first half of the 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park.
The Spinoff
How a Muhammad Ali approach paid off for the All Blacks
Sometimes it’s less about attack and more about letting your opponent grind themselves to a halt. All Black captain Ardie Savea likened the first test of the Greatest Rivalry series to a boxing match. Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers…
NZ Herald
How the Springboks will respond to first-test defeat – Gregor Paul
OPINION: South Africa must broaden their game to beat the All Blacks in Cape Town.
1News
Analysis: How the All Blacks out-thought Boks' coaching mastermind
Dave Rennie's men exposed Rassie Erasmus' Springboks in Johannesburg. Now the master manipulator has some big decisions to make, writes Patrick McKendry.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Ardie Savea’s men turn up the heat on notorious bomb squad
For years, the Springboks bomb squad have dominated opponents. Not this time, though.
Stuff
Good, bad and the ugly: Five takeaways from the All Blacks’ win over the Springboks
The All Blacks head to Cape Town with a 1-0 lead, but they’ll be far from comfortable after their 33-16 victory at Ellis Park.
Stuff
Choose your All Blacks team for second test against Springboks with Stuff’s team selector
Who do you think All Blacks coach Dave Rennie should start against the Springboks in the second test?
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Ranking every match played between rugby’s two greatest teams
Ranking all 111 test matches played between the All Blacks and the Springboks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Lions live updates: Richie Mo’unga returns in last midweek tour match of tour
Live updates of the tour clash between the All Blacks and the Lions at Ellis Park.
NZ Herald
Sky Sport Now shows cycling instead of All Blacks v Lions match
Some Sky customers called for refunds after the streaming mix-up.
Stuff
‘Where’s the f…… game?’: Sky Sport Now viewers miss entire first half of All Blacks game
Furious Sky Sport Now subscribers are demanding refunds after waking early for the All Blacks-Lions game – only to be shown cycling instead.
Stuff
Watch: All Blacks find another gear to surge past Lions with late comeback
In the end, after a few anxious moments, Dave Rennie ticked the boxes he needed to four days out from the second test of this RGR tour of South Africa.
Stuff
All Blacks player ratings: Tell us how they performed in comeback win over Lions
We want your take on how each of the All Blacks performed against the Lions.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Lions: All Blacks rally from 18 points down to remain unbeaten in South Africa
Dave Rennie’s All Blacks remain unbeaten but only just.
1News
'Pushed to the limit' – All Blacks get out of jail against Lions
A poor start and consistently poor decision making nearly cost the All Blacks dearly in their final club match of their Greatest Rivalry tour.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Lions: All Blacks rally from 18 points down to remain unbeaten in South Africa
By Liam Napier at Ellis Park
Otago Daily Times
All Blacks come from behind to beat Lions
NZ Herald
Saula Ma’u breaks down in tears after All Blacks debut in win over Lions
Saula Ma’u made his All Blacks debut in a comeback win over the Lions.
NZ Herald
All Blacks vs Lions player ratings: How Dave Rennie’s men rated in final midweek match
OPINION: How the All Blacks rated in their 41-35 victory over Lions in Johannesburg.
Stuff
Watch: Tearful All Blacks prop overcome with emotion after Ellis Park debut
Saula Ma’u was fighting back the tears when casting his mind back to growing up in Tonga with a rugby dream he fulfilled in Johannesburg.
RNZ
'It's a dream come true': Tears of joy for All Blacks debutant
Saula Ma'u couldn't hold back the tears after achieving his dream of becoming an All Black.
1News
'Dream come true': New All Black cries after debut in win over Lions
The Highlanders and Otago prop made his debut against the Lions in Johannesburg, calling the moment "unreal".
Otago Daily Times
Emotional Saula Ma’u makes All Blacks debut
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Lions: Pundits react as Dave Rennie’s men win final midweek match
‘The Lions matched fire with fire’
Newstalk ZB
D'Arcy Waldegrave: Sportstalk host on the All Blacks beating out the Lions in Johannesburg
All Blacks coach Dave Rennie has commended his side's character in a 41-35 win over the Lions in Johannesburg.
Newstalk ZB
Neil Barnes: All Blacks assistant coach on the Kiwi side beating out the Lions in Johannesburg
The All Blacks' winning streak in South Africa continues, with the Kiwi side holding strong and defeating the Lions.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Rassie Erasmus plans pre-test beer with Dave Rennie
Erasmus says joint meetings could reveal teams’ tactical plans.
Newstalk ZB
Thursday 27 August 2026: Springboks legend Percy Montgomery looks ahead to the second test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour
On Sports Fix with D'Arcy Waldegrave and Jason Pine for 27 August 2026, the anticipation is building for the second test match of the Greatest Rivalry Tour between the All Blacks and the Springboks after the visitors went up a…
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Kickoff time, how to watch – all you need to know
Ardie Savea will captain the All Blacks in Cape Town against the Springboks.
Stuff
Springboks No 10 in doubt for second test against All Blacks
Rassie Erasmus brought Handre Pollard in to deliver under pressure, but a reported injury could force another backline change against the All Blacks.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: Live Commentary and all you need to know
After last weekend's dominant win over the Springboks at Ellis Park, the All Blacks are angling for a repeat performance.
Stuff
‘We understand the wounded beast’: All Blacks skipper braces for inevitable Bok response
The Springboks have not lost back-to-back tests at home against the same opponent since 1997 (the British and Irish Lions).
Stuff
‘Man, just wow’: Aaron Smith’s verdict on All Blacks star Cam Roigard
“He’s just got game. If there’s half a hole, it’s a big hole for him,” the former All Blacks star told Aotearoa Rugby Pod.
NZ Herald
Warriors v Knights: Jett Cleary to debut, line-ups, kickoff time, how to watch – all you need to know
The Warriors need a 14-point win over the Knights to reclaim top spot.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Why a 2-0 lead may not settle the series for Dave Rennie’s side – Gregor Paul
OPINION: The organisers have created an issue by adding a fourth test in Baltimore.
Stuff
All Blacks player ratings: Tell us how they performed in second test loss to Boks
We want your take on how each of the All Blacks performed against the Springboks in the 33-26 loss in Cape Town.
Stuff
Clinical Springboks muscle up to defeat All Blacks and level series
Desperation turned into elation for Rassie Erasmus and his Springboks as they levelled the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series with the All Blacks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks vs Springboks: Dave Rennie era suffers first loss as All Blacks comeback falls short in Cape Town
The All Blacks suffered their first loss of the Dave Rennie era in Cape Town.
1News
All Blacks fall short as desperate Springboks tie series
Dave Rennie has suffered the first defeat of his All Blacks' coaching career as the Boks make the most of their good start in Cape Town.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Low-flying aircraft shock rugby fans
Footage showed smoke from fireworks striking the underside of one plane.
Stuff
‘How can you not check that?’: TMO overlooks controversial try in All Blacks defeat
Simon Parker was seemingly impeded in a suspected obstruction in the build-up to Damian de Allende’s try for the Springboks in Cape Town.
NZ Herald
All Blacks vs Springboks: South Africa lineout dominance shades Dave Rennie’s men in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
South Africa beat the All Blacks 33-26 in Cape Town to level the series.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: Dave Rennie era suffers first loss as All Blacks comeback falls short in Cape Town
By Liam Napier in Cape Town
Otago Daily Times
Springboks bounce back to beat All Blacks and level series
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v Springboks: Low-flying aircraft shock rugby fans
A flyover before the All Blacks’ second test against the Springboks has left fans shocked at how close the planes came to the stadium.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Dave Rennie identifies aerial defence issue after Cape Town loss
Ardie Savea says the All Blacks must stop South Africa's fast starts.
Stuff
Watch: Erasmus drops f-bomb as he fires back at All Blacks’ scrum allegations
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has fired back at Dave Rennie’s assertion that his team employs dodgy scrum tactics.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Rassie Erasmus explodes at Dave Rennie’s view on South Africa scrum
Erasmus says All Blacks are pushing a false narrative about scrums.
1News
Boks coach fires back at All Blacks' 'nonsense' complaint about scrums
Rassie Erasmus appeared to lose his temper in the press conference after his team's win in Cape Town, but rival Dave Rennie will probably see the funny side.
Stuff
Warriors player ratings: Tell us how they performed against the Knights
We want your take on how each of the Warriors performed at home against the Knights.
Stuff
'Friendly fire': All Blacks hit back after fiery Rassie Erasmus rant
All Blacks assistant Jason Ryan has tripled down on claims the Springboks aren't scrumming square, despite Rassie Erasmus' profanity-laced response.
NZ Herald
Rugby: All Blacks v South Africa jet flyover in Cape Town: ‘The aircraft were too low’ – experienced Kiwi aviator
The spectacular flyover has led to a polarised debate about its safety; NZ Rugby responds.
NZ Herald
Winners & Losers: All Blacks v Springboks flyover and Warriors $200k dilemma – Christopher Reive
OPINION: Christopher Reive runs through the best and worst of the sporting weekend.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Rassie Erasmus has turned rugby mind games into misconduct
OPINION: World Rugby must stand up to Rassie Erasmus.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v South Africa jet flyover in Cape Town: Airline hands flight data to aviation officials
The spectacular flyover of Cape Town's DHL Stadium has led to polarised views.
Newstalk ZB
All Blacks v South Africa jet flyover in Cape Town: Airline hands flight data to aviation officials
Flight data from two jets that flew over Cape Town’s DHL Stadium before Sunday’s All Blacks rugby test has been voluntarily offered to aviation officials.
1News
Black box data handed to authorities after Cape Town stadium flyby
The pregame stunt drew huge cheers from the estimated crowd of around 56,000 people, but also sparked a major debate over safety risks.
Stuff
Black box data given to authorities after dramatic stadium flyover before All Blacks game
The stunt was met with huge cheers from the estimated crowd of 56,000 people, but has sparked major debate over safety risks.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: The ghost that looms over epic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
OPINION: There has been a ghost that will come back to haunt the World Cup next year.
Stuff
Choose your All Blacks team for third test against the Boks with Stuff’s team selector
After being pegged back to 1-1 in the series, where do the All Blacks go from here?
Stuff
Why Springboks coach’s rule-bending leaves sour taste
If Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus believes he has honoured the ethics of fair play during the Rugby's Great Rivalry series, he's also done a magnificent job of camouflaging them under a pile of green and gold compost.
Stuff
Fresh legs or go again? Dave Rennie’s massive All Black selection dilemma
With the series tied 1-1, All Black coaches are weighing up squad fatigue against team cohesion ahead of a physical third test in Jo’burg.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v South Africa jet flyover in Cape Town: The retro video game that’s set to go viral
A South African developer coded the retro game over some 'burgers and beers'.
NZ Herald
All Blacks v Springboks: Dave Rennie sending a message by not waging war in headlines
All Blacks keep their powder dry as Rassie Erasmus’ media war heats up.