All Blacks Tour South Africa, Renewing 'Greatest Rivalry' in Retro Style

New Zealand's All Blacks are embarking on a unique "Greatest Rivalry Tour" of South Africa, a four-test series against the Springboks augmented by four matches against South African franchises. This tour represents a deliberate throwback to rugby's past, combining traditional touring with an eye on the sport's future growth in the United States.

This expansive tour format, including matches against the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls, and Lions, evokes a sense of nostalgia for older rugby fans while incorporating modern elements perfect mix of old and new. The decision to play the fourth Test in the USA signals a strategic move to build excitement and a fanbase ahead of the 2031 men's and 2033 women's Rugby World Cups, both slated to be hosted in the United States USA hosting the Men’s Rugby World Cup.

All Blacks Lineup Against Bulls

In their final tour match before facing the Springboks, the All Blacks will confront the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria. Coach Dave Rennie has implemented significant changes to the squad that previously secured a commanding victory over the Sharks sweeping changes from the team.

Tour captain Codie Taylor returns at hooker, supported by starting props Xavier Numia and Tyrel Lomax. Fabian Holland and Patrick Tuipulotu will form the second row, while the back row features flankers Anton Segner and Simon Parker, alongside number eight Peter Lakai. These back-row players are reportedly vying for positions in the Test matchday 23 against the Springboks playing for a place in the All Blacks‘ Test matchday.

The backline for the Bulls match includes Beauden Barrett at full-back, with Leroy Carter and Josh Moorby on the wings. Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane are paired in the centers, while Cortez Ratima and Josh Jacomb fill the scrum-half and fly-half positions, respectively Beauden Barrett starts at full-back.

Bulls Bolstered by Springboks and New Signings

The Bulls, coached by Johan Ackermann, will introduce three new signings to their matchday 23 for the clash: Thaakir Abrahams, Curwin Bosch, and Hanro Liebenberg. Bosch is one of four Springboks in the starting lineup, which also features Willie Le Roux, Marcell Coetzee, and Embrose Papier Bulls, Johan Ackermann has included three new signings.

Further strengthening the Bulls squad, Rassie Erasmus has released forwards Johan Grobbelaar and Elrigh Louw, who will be available on the bench. The team's line-up is set to feature Willie le Roux at 15, Thaakir Abrahams at 14, Stedman Gans at 13, Harold Vorster at 12, and Stravino Jacobs at 11. Curwin Bosch starts at fly-half with Embrose Papier at scrum-half Rassie Erasmus released forwards Johan Grobbelaar.

The forward pack for the Bulls includes Jeandre Rudolph at eight, Hanro Liebenberg at seven, Marcell Coetzee (captain) at six, JF van Heerden at five, Ruan Vermaak at four, Francois Klopper at three, Juann Else at two, and Alu Tshakweni at one Marcell Coetzee (c). Replacements include Johan Grobbelaar, Sti Sithole, Khuta Mchunu, Reinhardt Ludwig, Elrigh Louw, Paul de Wet, Katlego Letebele, and Hakeem Kunene.

Broader Implications and Context

This series against South Africa’s provincial teams and the Springboks provides the All Blacks with crucial preparation and an opportunity to test new talent. The format is a departure from recent international schedules and harks back to a more traditional touring model rugby throwback.

The broader context of international rugby news includes the ongoing United Rugby Championship (URC), where teams like the Scarlets are already making moves to bolster their squads for the 2026-2027 season. The Scarlets have notably signed Moana Pasifika tight-head Chris Apoua to strengthen their front row options Scarlets have bolstered their front row options.

The All Blacks' tour of South Africa is generating significant discussion regarding the fairness of the schedule, particularly for coach Dave Rennie. Josh Kronfeld has suggested that the Springboks series may not be entirely fair on Rennie, viewing the All Blacks role as a significant commitment leading up to the World Cup Springboks series ‘not super fair’ on Dave Rennie.

Prior to the tour, some observers expressed concern that the matches against the South African franchises might result in one-sided contests, but the performances thus far have indicated competitive encounters worried about the games against the four franchises being ‘blow outs’. The final tour match against the Bulls is predicted to be the toughest challenge yet for Rennie’s side before they face the Springboks ‘toughest challenge’ before Springboks.

For fans eager to follow the All Blacks' progress in South Africa, the Bulls versus All Blacks clash will be broadcast on SuperSport TV in South Africa. New Zealand viewers can tune in via Sky Sport NZ, while fans in the United Kingdom and Ireland can watch on Sky Sports. Australian rugby enthusiasts can catch the action on Stan Sport and Nine Sport How to watch the All Blacks clash with the Bulls.