South Africa vs. New Zealand - Kick-off time, team news, how to watch first Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test

The All Blacks will face the Springboks at Ellis Park on Saturday, August 21, 2026, in the opening match of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry (RGR) Test series, marking a major early test for New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie. Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain South Africa in the absence of regular skipper Siya Kolisi. Tensions have been building between the coaching staffs, with All Blacks assistant Tana Umaga and Springboks director of rugby Rassie Erasmus exchanging pointed remarks through the media over game speed and tactics.