The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series

South Africa and New Zealand are set to meet in a two-Test series called 'Rugby's Greatest Rivalry,' with the matches scheduled around August 2026. The series will feature Ardie Savea captaining New Zealand and Siya Kolisi leading South Africa, two of the dominant forces in men's rugby union. Writer Harry Latham-Coyle explores the rich historical and off-field dimensions that add deeper meaning to this storied rivalry between the sport's two most successful nations.