New Zealand stunned South Africa with an emphatic win at Ellis Park to go 1-0 up in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The All Blacks made a statement as they turned over the world champions at the venue for the pair’s famous Rugby World Cup final clash in 1995. Dave Rennie’s tourists looked to be faltering in the second half with their scrum struggling, only to flip momentum entirely and surge away from their hosts to a 33-16 victory.
It means the Springboks will have to win all three remaining Tests if they are to secure overall victory in this landmark new tour. Rassie Erasmus’s side, rusty against Argentina a fortnight ago, again looked short of sharpness, while injuries to wing Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse are cause for concern with the second meeting between the heavyweights just seven days away.
Follow all of the latest from the first Test in Johannesburg with our live blog below:
South Africa v New Zealand LIVE
- South Africa stunned by New Zealand at Ellis Park
- All Blacks outstanding to go 1-0 up in four-Test Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Series
- FULL TIME: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand
- 75' – Will Jordan scores his second as Springboks reduced to 13 men (RSA 16-33 NZL)
- 60' – Luke Jacobson extends tourists' lead (RSA 16-26 NZL)
- 48' – Charge down try nudges All Blacks in front (RSA 16-19 NZL)
- HALF TIME: South Africa 13-12 New Zealand
- 23' – Moorby strikes to regain lead after Andre Esterhuizen try (RSA 10-12 NZL)
- 10' – Will Jordan scores in corner to put All Blacks ahead (RSA 3-5 NZL)
New Zealand stun South Africa to make statement start to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:23 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand overcame a tough physical challenge to outscore hosts South Africa five tries to one and win the first Test 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday to go one-up in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The All Blacks had been underdogs going into the first international of their eight-match tour, but took full advantage of the home side’s numerous handling errors and ill-discipline for a statement victory that ended a 12-match winning streak for the Springboks and will rock the confidence of the world champions.
All Blacks stun Springboks to make statement start to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Two more Test tries for Will Jordan...
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
and the All Blacks wing beams: "It meant everything. Ellis Park, what an arena. It was a serious shift and the boys dug deep. They got a taste of what it is like and I'm proud of our group, it's an awesome start to the series.
"Test footy is about absorbing pressure and turning yours into points. We withstood an Springbok onslaught, so we're stoked.
"I just love being out here. I'm so proud of our team for this effort."
Ardie Savea reacts to the All Blacks' first Test win
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
"We always knew the Springboks were coming and they have quality players. They can be hard to stop but I'm really proud of the effort. It was a boxing match and it came down to crucial moments. We got there in the end.
"It's always special coming to South Africa. To see the crowd and the fans, it's amazing to be here. Respect.
"We'll take this win but we know it's not over. We dug deep and we'll enjoy tonight, and come back on Monday and regroup."
FT: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks did lose Kurt-Lee Arendse early, of course, and Cheslin Kolbe a little later – two injuries that caused major disruption. But having seen Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord forced off with a clash of heads before half time, Dave Rennie will be delighted about how his replacement forward pack came on and made a massive difference. Was Simon Parker’s inclusion after Anton Segner’s injury a stroke of luck? His heft definitely felt valuable.
New Zealand nudge further ahead! 📈 pic.twitter.com/0xUYNvRXkJ
— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) August 22, 2026
FT: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There are plenty in New Zealand’s ranks that we could pick out, but Jordie Barrett again proved his importance in midfield. Plenty of tackles and a couple of vital defensive interventions, as well as a grubber that set up the position from which the All Blacks put the game beyond doubt with the Springboks reduced to 13 men. Some player.
FT: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand.
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:06 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Wowzer. Talk about a statement start to the series. Ellis Park conquered, and how!
FULL TIME! South Africa 16-33 New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:04 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa 16-33 New Zealand, 79 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:03 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Asafo Aumua entirely needlessly, and rather recklessly, throws a back-door offload about five yards forward and into touch. Not the hooker’s best. Not that it matters.
South Africa 16-33 New Zealand, 78 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:02 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another redzone misfire! Disbelief on the faces of plenty inside Ellis Park, including Rassie Erasmus, as the Springboks are penalised for holding on. 10 entries, one try. You can’t win Test matches that way.
South Africa 16-33 New Zealand, 77 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 18:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This feels a big three minutes or so for South Africa. The game is gone, but there is pride to be salvaged, and a point to be made with three Tests in this series still to come.
A penalty will help them. Kicked into the right corner.
TRY! South Africa 16-33 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan, 75 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Coup de grace! And who else but Will Jordan?
Ardie Savea is too gifted an individual to not find space under these circumstances, and unfurls a delicious assist off his left-hand to the free-scoring wing. Test try No 53 for a phenom. And another excellent conversion from Ruben Love.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 74 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another penalty against the Springboks’ 13 men. Take the points? It’s closer to the posts. No, the All Blacks want to put it beyond doubt, calling for a scrum.
Cobus Wiese joins brother Jasper in the defensive effort. Eben Etzebeth is replaced.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 72 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand try to get to the extreme right but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu covers Will Jordan in fine fashion. It will be an All Blacks throw, though, after South Africa carry the ball out.
YELLOW CARD! Cobus Reinach is sent to the sin bin! South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 70 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another! It’s like watching England! Cobus Reinach is offside and deliberately knocks on.
South Africa down to 13. Yowzer. We haven’t seen this sort of capitulation from the Springboks under Rassie Erasmus...ever?
YELLOW CARD! Marco van Staden is sent to the sin bin! South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 70 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Would you believe it? Marco van Staden is sent to the sin bin! The replacement flanker is deemed to have cynically taken out Cam Roigard as the scrum half looked to play the ball away from the breakdown that followed the Jesse Kriel knock-on, and five metres from his own line, it has to carry a yellow card tariff.
The Springboks will play most of the final 10 minutes without a full complement....
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 70 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
No foul play! TMO Mike Adamson has twice now been overruled by the on-field officiating team, which the Scot doesn’t seem too pleased about. Credit to Matthew Carley and his assistants (Nika Amashukeli and Karl Dickson) for being strong in their calls.
There’s something else they want a look at, too...
TMO check! South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 70 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:51 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Here might be their chance. Another grubber from Jordie Barrett doesn’t travel to touch, and is knocked on by Jesse Kriel as he tries to gather it.
TMO Mike Adamson wants to look at a tackle from Ardie Savea on Jasper Wiese, though. Was this high? It’s close.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 69 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Wonderfully done! Quinn Tupaea has been relatively quiet tonight but that’s a superb involvement, skudding a 50:22 across the firm Ellis Park surface to earn possession high up.
But the All Blacks make a horlicks of the lineout! A try there surely would have sealed it.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 68 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:48 , Harry Latham-Coyle
It’s just not clicking, quite, for South Africa, the rust of a few weeks off perhaps showing. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu knocks on as the penultimate man on an attacking line out to the right.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 66 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The All Blacks cling on again! This is excellent scrambling at the moment from the tourists, particularly at the breakdown. Grant Williams shows off his sprinting speed with a sinuous serpent’s weave into space, but New Zealand recover, and two sharp jackals are rewarded with a penalty.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 64 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
“We’re not seeing this as clear foul play,” Matthew Carley concludes – the referee is happy the individual that Luke Jacobson was grasping was in the vicinity of the ruck. An All Blacks scrum it remains.
TMO CHECK? South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 64 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Hang on. The officials want to check a possible tackle off the ball.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 64 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:44 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa need to find something, and that’s more like it, Eben Etzebeth motoring up the touchline. He can really shift, you know!
But New Zealand make a mess of a ruck three phases later and force a knock-on from Cobus Reinach. That’s that for the attacking passage.
Leroy Carter replaces Josh Moorby on New Zealand’s wing.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 62 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:42 , Harry Latham-Coyle
What’s going on? Strange stuff all over the place at the moment, with Will Jordan dropping a ball in his breadbasket.
More South African changes. Andre Esterhuizen is being replaced. Manie Libbok on, which I think means Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to full-back and Damian Willemse into inside centre.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 61 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
How momentum seems to have shifted. South Africa’s restart travels through to the in-goal, and Quinn Tupaea grounds it immediately. That means back to halfway for a scrum.
Marco van Staden and Zachary Porthen come on in the Springboks pack. Paul de Villiers and Wilco Louw replaced.
TRY! South Africa 16-26 NEW ZEALAND (Luke Jacobson, 60 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
And the All Blacks succeed where the Springboks failed! Back-to-back carries from the back row, first Ardie Savea off the base, then Luke Jacobson winning the race around the corner, blowing right through Pieter-Steph du Toit covering across.
Can Ruben Love add the extras? He can!
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 58 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:38 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cobus Reinach comes on for South Africa. Cheslin Kolbe is going off – Grant Williams to the wing. A major blow for South Africa, who now have a scrum half and a centre on either wing.
What a turnaround. Now it is New Zealand right on the offensive.
No try! South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 57 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Oh, how have New Zealand not scored? It’s scintillating rugby from the All Blacks, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie carving right across the Highveld like two cheetahs across open savannah. McKenzie looks for Cam Roigard with the try-scoring pass, but it is knocked back by Damian Willemse.
Roigard is still favourite to get to the ricochet but the spin eludes him! Wow, oh wow! Grant Williams gets back to ground, but it’ll be a five-metre New Zealand scrum. Nearly something sensational!
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 57 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Nine entries into the All Blacks’ 22 now for South Africa for just one try. Add in one penalty and it’s 1.1 points per entry – which is a bit of a problem.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 56 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Penalty to New Zealand! Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell, a fresh hooker and tighthead, are thrown on and do the trick, steadying the front row. The Springboks grow frustrated and Matthew Carley penalises them for the angle...perhaps harshly, with both sides spinning, but the All Blacks survive!
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 55 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
If the All Blacks can survive this passage, what a boost that would be. Easier said than done. Springboks scrum feed, dead centre, five metres out.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 54 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
No penalty this time, so South Africa will have to try something different. They do, successfully, injecting pace, power and purpose as they sweep to the right.
New Zealand are offside under their own posts. A forward pass ensures the Springboks won’t capitalise immediately but there’s a siege surely coming...
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 53 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Almost there! Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu goes it alone after another scrum-time munching, but is held up over the line by a gaggle of desperately recovering New Zealanders.
The Springboks will set a scrum again from the penalty. We’ve seen this story before – and Matthew Carley was the referee in similar circumstances when South Africa dismantled Ireland last November.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 52 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:27 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Good lord. That’s the sort of footage they cut away from on nature documentaries, South Africa playing with their prey as they tear the All Blacks pack to pieces at scrum-time.
There’s little surprise when Pieter-Steph du Toit pats his hands together to call for a repeat from the penalty.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 50 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa’s basics had been really, really solid until that point. One to frustrate Rassie Erasmus and co.
As will that. Jasper Wiese gathers momentum with a typically forthright carry, with Jordie Barrett doing well to grab him at the thighs, but Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have a malfunction at the next junction. It looked like the latter overran the former’s pass, and knocked it on while trying to reel it in.
TRY! South Africa 16-19 NEW ZEALAND (Fabian Holland, 48 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:24 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But the All Blacks pinch one! A chargedown and rumble to the line from Fabian Holland!
It’s sensational from the big Dutchman. He times his blocking burst around the corner perfectly and virtually takes the ball off the toe of Grant Williams. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu can’t halt him, and Ruben Love’s conversion makes it a seven-pointer.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 16-12 New Zealand (Cheslin Kolbe, 47 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Four from four for Cheslin Kolbe off the tee. Some performance so far from the wing.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 46 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s Ox Nche’s last act. Gerhard Steenekamp comes on as South Africa point to the posts.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 44 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A slightly scrappy start to the half. New Zealand are justifiably frustrated that an aerial tap-back from Cheslin Kolbe is ruled an All Blacks knock-on...and then South Africa are justifiably frustrated that, if that is the call, they don’t have a penalty for an offside player playing it.
No matter. A scrum may offer a route to one...and does, despite a strong initial shunt from New Zealand, as Wilco Louw gets into George Bower.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 42 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another aerial win from the Springboks, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu collecting his own up-and-under...but New Zealand earn a scrum feed by holding up Grant Williams.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 41 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ruben Love hoists the restart high into the South African 22. Grant Williams keeps his clearance contestable, and Cheslin Kolbe gets up in the air to win it back. That’s another area where the Springboks have had an advantage so far.
Second half...
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa have already lost Kurt-Lee Arendse, of course – Jesse Kriel is on the wing with Andre Esterhuizen at 12 and milestone man Damian de Allende to 13. They do have real options if they need to vary that again: Grant Williams could go out wide, or Damian Willemse with Manie Libbok as another playmaking option among the replacements. It’s not necessarily ideal, though.
The players are back out there.
HT: South Africa 13-12 New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Good stuff in Johannesburg – physical, intense, and full of fun attacking play. It’s even at the interval but New Zealand will be concerned about the scrum, particularly having already seemingly lost two tight five forwards to head injuries. South Africa will be disappointed not to have converted at least one more of their seven 22 entries – though their set-piece strength means there will surely be more to come.
Back for more in a bit...
HALF TIME: South Africa 13-12 New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 40 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
But Jasper Wiese fails to hold on to the ball in contact, and that’ll be that.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 40 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:59 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A last chance before half time for South Africa. A high kick is tapped back by visiting hands and Ruben Love is trapped in and whacked out of play by Cheslin Kolbe, chasing hard.
A superb attacking platform with 30 seconds to go before the interval.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 39 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Cam Roigard is having to do some deft dodging today. The scrum half keeps having to extricate himself from spots of bother, and does so again to allow Jordie Barrett to thump the ball upfield.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 38 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:56 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Matthew Carley brings the game to a halt with a couple of All Blacks down with head injuries...and Pieter-Steph du Toit is holding his head, too, after a massive hit from Fabian Holland on him. Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord are the men stricken elsewhere, and I imagine will both have to go off.
Yes, George Bower and Simon Parker are stripped and ready. Parker will go to the blindside and Tupou Vaa’i into the row, one imagines.
Eesh – a nasty clash of heads as the pair attempted to quell the might of Jasper Wiese. Friendly fire, and quite possibly both their evenings ending prematurely.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 37 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:54 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Nice idea; not quite the execution. Mighty mouse Cheslin Kolbe outleaps several larger men to win an aerial contest off Grant Williams’ boot, but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s cross-kick to Jesse Kriel, now occupying the left wing after Kurt-Lee Arendse’s failed HIA, is too tall for his target. Out on the full.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 36 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:53 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ardie Savea bails out of the rapidly retreating car in the nick of time. Worries, there, for New Zealand, both today and with three more Tests to come.
Savea’s escape from the scrum allows Cam Roigard to get a very good clearing kick away.
NO TRY! South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 35 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:52 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South African butchery of the highest order! Oh, Malcolm, that’s a bit of a shocker – there’s a hand from Jordie Barrett in there, but the hooker’s got to have a tighter grasp of the ball as he reaches for the line.
No try quickly confirmed by television match official Mike Adamson. A let off for New Zealand – though a scrum five out won’t be much fun.
Try? South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 35 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A seemingly unstoppable maul but has Malcolm Marx dropped it?....
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 34 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:49 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another penalty against New Zealand, once again driving too soon on a lifter at the lineout before the hoisted individual had come to floor. I think that is nine penalties against the All Blacks now, and Ardie Savea asks for a chat with referee Matthew Carley before the Springboks go again at the lineout.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 32 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:47 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jasper Wiese charges into a colleague as he looks to inflict damage on the New Zealand defensive line. Accidental offside, so a scrum.
And the Springboks make a statement! Ox Nche pulverises Tyrel Lomax, and Wilco Louw comes with him on the other side. A penalty and a return to advanced position.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 30 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A tonking carry from Paul de Villiers creates yet more breathing room...particularly when it draws a penalty from a New Zealand tackler failing to release.
South Africa go to the air, Grant Williams spiralling one up overhead. Will Jordan claims it soundly on the retreat, but then takes a quick tap from the mark and belts the ball straight into South African hands. Springboks ball in New Zealand’s half.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 28 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:43 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Jasper Wiese can’t stay in play as he attempts to run out of his own 22. But South Africa then drag Will Jordan over the same section of whitewash after a slightly curious passage of New Zealand play. Springboks lineout.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 13-12 New Zealand (Cheslin Kolbe, 27 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:41 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Another straightforward strike for South Africa’s wing. Back in front.
South Africa 10-12 New Zealand, 25 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South African hands get to the restart, but knock it on. Down for another spot of shoving, then...
Or not! New Zealand are penalised before Cam Roigard can insert. Cheslin Kolbe will kick for goal.
Kurt-Lee Arendse will not return. He’s failed his head injury assessment.
TRY! South Africa 10-12 NEW ZEALAND (Josh Moorby, 23 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:39 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s what the All Blacks can do!
A wonderfully skilful score. Jordie Barrett exploits space with a rainbow pass to Tupou Vaa’i, once again hugging the touchline. The big lock-cum-flanker thunders along the tramline and holds off Grant Williams, keeping the arms free as he draws the last man. Josh Moorby takes his in-field offload and avoids the octopus-like clutches of Pieter-Steph du Toit to hurry to the line.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 22 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Into a bit of a kicking exchange, which Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu settles down by claiming a mark.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 21 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:36 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A bit more pep in New Zealand’s step as they play with pace near halfway, finding a little bit more room on the edges with the Springboks slow in transition. South Africa reform, though, and catch Josh Moorby shuffling behind the gainline.
Cam Roigard has to go to the air...and Damian Willemse commands the skies. As per.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 19 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:34 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand work the ball to the right edge off first phase, out the back twice and then Will Jordan sent on in space. Cheslin Kolbe cuts him down brilliantly – the wing doesn’t get enough credit for how strong he is defensively.
It makes a difference, too, as New Zealand commit a neck roll at a ruck soon after. Penalty to South Africa.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 17 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:32 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A nudge on from South Africa but the All Blacks whisk the ball away from the base quickly. Their forwards are a bit slow to a wide ruck, allowing the Springboks to slow the ball down...but when they do so again, there is a penalty against the hosts for a failure to roll away.
Ruben Love kicks towards the left corner.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 15 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:31 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Pointedly, a couple of Springboks have a word in referee Matthew Carley’s ear as the All Blacks take their time over an injury. “I’m aware of the storyline,” the referee says, swatting them away after all the talk of South Africa’s own preference to slow things down. Strong from Carley.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 15 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:29 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That’s the value that Esterhuizen gives you. He was so, so good off the bench in the centres in Wellington last year but has played more in the back row since – but needed early today, in he steps to make a try-scoring impact.
Ox Nche loses possession in phase play after the restart. A raised hand of apology from the prop, though he won’t necessarily mind a first scrum skirmish.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 10-5 New Zealand (Andre Esterhuizen, 14 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:28 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sometimes a forward, now in the backs but impactful wherever! Andre Esterhuizen makes his mark after an early introduction, speedbumping poor Josh Moorby like a runaway 18-wheeler.
Moorby should do better, but it’s tough when they are built like Esterhuizen is – and move like that! The conversion extends the advantage.
South Africa 3-5 New Zealand, 13 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:26 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Malcolm Marx finds Ruan Norje at the tail this time, and the Springboks maul well initially. Grant Williams smuggles the ball back as it loses momentum, and onwards the forwards can plough, thrown around the corner and into the All Blacks defensive line.
South Africa 3-5 New Zealand, 12 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The Springboks clearly think they’ve spotted something with the way Cam Roigard sets up his box kicks. Ruan Nortje is this time the man lurking with intent on the fringes, but the lock is ordered back by Matthew Carley before he can attempt to charge down.
A perhaps unsettled Roigard’s clearance only travels 35 metres, and New Zealand drive too soon at the lineout. Penalty to South Africa, and another decision for Pieter-Steph du Toit. Corner this time.
Matthew Carley took a bang in that passage, ploughed into by a Springbok. “Are you alright?” the English referee jokingly asks of the South African. Good stuff.
South Africa 3-5 New Zealand, 11 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:22 , Harry Latham-Coyle
More worries for South Africa – Kurt-Lee Arendse’s mouthguard has pinged and he’ll have to go for a head injury assessment. Andre Esterhuizen is sent for, which will mean a reshuffle – Jesse Kriel to the wing?
TRY! South Africa 3-5 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan, 10 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:21 , Harry Latham-Coyle
He just won’t stop scoring! Test try 52 for the remarkable Will Jordan, but give the credit to Cam Roigard!
What a difference the scrum half makes. It’s silver service to the prolific wing, a laser-like pass singeing the eyebrows of the waiting tacklers on the South Africa line. Jordan therefore has the room to squeeze into the corner.
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 9 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The maul is stalled but Cam Roigard bursts away, making a few metres. Advantage coming, and maybe more...
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 7 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:19 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The enormous Tupou Vaa’i is a tough man to high tackle but South Africa manage it, allowing advantage. Ardie Savea skips out of a challenge and the All Blacks spread it to the right. There’s Vaa’i again, lurking out wide as is his wont...but the Springboks are across to cover in good number.
Back for the penalty, then, and there’s no thought of three. Into the corner.
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 6 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:18 , Harry Latham-Coyle
That will really frustrate Dave Rennie. South Africa had been profligate from the lineout but New Zealand just failed to settle themselves and properly clear their lines.
A midfield penalty on halfway will allow them to march into advanced territory for the first time. Wilco Louw offside.
Ruben Love punts the penalty down towards the home 22.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 3-0 New Zealand (Cheslin Kolbe, 5 minutes)
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:16 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Just as against England in the Nations Championship in July, Cheslin Kolbe is on duty from the tee...and slots his first without fuss.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
An error from Marx, which is a relative rarity these days. Overthrown, and the All Blacks scramble a sort-of clearance away.
Not far, though, and the Springboks earn a soft penalty. New Zealand’s failure to then give the ball up costs them another 10 metres, and South Africa will kick for goal.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:14 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A turnover each way, first Malcolm Marx showing off his pinching paws, then Cam Roigard stealing possession back for the All Blacks. But that’s some start defensively from the Springboks! Ethan de Groot is absolutely detonated by Ox Nche and Marx, and Jasper Wiese feasts on the carrion. We talked about the jackal threat South Africa now have....
Into the 22 those forwards are kicked.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:12 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Nearly! Eben Etzebeth, so good at this sort of thing, charges down Cam Roigard’s first box kick...but had just strayed offside. Tight. Etzebeth normally times those perfectly. Sharp spot from Matthew Carley.
KICK OFF!
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:11 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A blast of Matthew Carley’s whistle and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets the first Test underway!
Haka
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:09 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Codie Taylor – sporting a shiner under his right eye – will lead New Zealand’s Haka, the traditional pre-match challenge laid down. The Springboks meet it head on, moving nary a muscle as they stare their opponents down.
South Africa vs New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:07 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The two anthems are sung with typical passion, Sean Fitzpatrick bearing the New Zealand flag and arm-in-arm with the current All Blacks crop. Gary Teichmann does likewise at the end of the Springboks line. Past, present, future – it’s all happening in this series.
A few more Kiwis in Johannesburg than we might have expected. Only pockets of them, mind, amongst the South African shirts that line the stands.
South Africa vs New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:01 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ardie Savea heads the All Blacks line as they emerge from the tunnel, plenty of intensity on the faces as they charge out.
Damian de Allende will lead South Africa out as he brings up a century of Springboks caps. He’s got his wife and two young kids with him – a lovely moment for the family. The youngest De Allende marvels at the sheer size of Ellis Park – it’s some place, little fella.
South Africa vs New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 16:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Sean Fitzpatrick, who led New Zealand’s “Incomparables” to victory on tour here in 1996, carries half of the trophy out, with South African counterpart from 30 years ago Gary Teichmann placing the other side on the plinth. Echoes of history everywhere as the planes fly overhead, just as they did (in a slightly less planned fashion) before the World Cup final in 1995.
South Africa vs New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 15:57 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The battle at No 12 should be great today. Damian de Allende hits 100 for South Africa after a long period of such solidity in that inside centre shirt – how well he and Jesse Kriel marry with one another. Jordie Barrett perhaps has more tools in his toolbox, mind, and is so, so vital to this All Blacks team. Two outstanding operators.
South Africa vs New Zealand match officials
Saturday 22 August 2026 15:50 , Harry Latham-Coyle
There’ll be a fair bit of pressure on the officiating team today after all that has been said by the two sides’ coaches in the build-up to this series. Matthew Carley is made of strong stuff, fortunately.
South Africa v New Zealand referee: Who is first Test official Matthew Carley?
Ardie Savea thinks extra 'edge' could benefit players
Saturday 22 August 2026 15:40 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The increasing tension between hosts South Africa and the touring New Zealand team ahead of the first Test will serve to get the best out of the two sides, All Blacks captain Ardie Savea believes.
Today’s match at Ellis Park, where the Springboks narrowly beat New Zealand to win the World Cup in extra time in 1995, is the first of four Tests in the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ series which sees the Kiwis embarking on a full-scale tour of South Africa for the first time in 30 years.
“The stakes are high and there's a lot of hype and edge around the game but, for me, I think that brings the best out of all players," Savea admitted. “We respect the Springboks, they’re a real class outfit but also I believe we’re going to have just as much quality. Hopefully, we go out there and put on a spectacle.”
Pieter-Steph du Toit says Springboks must stay on their toes
Saturday 22 August 2026 15:30 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa captain Pieter-Steph du Toit believes the Springboks will have to be switched on at all times today to avoid being caught napping by an All Blacks team that likes to up the tempo.
“We know New Zealand are going to bring it with intensity,” Du Toit said.
“We really believe the line outs and the scrum are going to be something where we're going to have to perform well. They're going to try and test us, finding gaps if we switch off. We know they're quite fast and have very skilful players. They're definitely going to try and exploit this and come up with good plans as well.So I would say we have to be alert at all times and don't get caught out.”
Team news – New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 15:20 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ardie Savea returns to lead New Zealand having been rested from the tour matches. Ruben Love is again trusted at No 10 with no place for either Beauden Barrett or Richie Mo’unga in the 23, and all of Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie and Cam Roigard shake off injury fears to start.
There are five forwards on the bench as flankers Simon Parker and Peter Lakai both earn inclusion with Tupou Vaa’i covering lock from the back row.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Josh Lord, 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea (capt.); 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Josh Moorby, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.
Repacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Simon Parker, 20 Peter Lakai; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Leroy Carter.
Team news – South Africa
Saturday 22 August 2026 15:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Siya Kolisi is left out by the Springboks, with Paul de Villiers preferred on the openside as South Africa take a cautious approach with their captain. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets the nod at fly half, while Damian de Allende earns his 100th cap in a familiar midfield pairing with Jesse Kriel.
There are five specialist forwards on the bench, plus Andre Esterhuizen – who will cover both the back row and his usual centre slot, as he did last year.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (capt.), 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Damian Willemse.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Marco van Staden; 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.
When last they met...
Saturday 22 August 2026 15:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
The most recent meeting between South Africa and New Zealand was memorable, too, as the Springboks dealt a record drubbing to their hosts in Wellington – which eventually, really, led to the axing of Scott Robertson as head coach.
Overall, it’s 63-43 in the All Blacks favour in the long history of this fixture, with four draws thrown in for good measure.
All Blacks suffer heaviest ever defeat as Springboks dismantle New Zealand
A famous venue
Saturday 22 August 2026 14:55 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Ellis Park is a fitting opening venue for this Test series, with memories of 1995 – Mandela, Pienaar, Lomu and the rest – sure to come flooding back. Ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, Luke Baker looked back on perhaps the most significant day in rugby history.
Springboks set for rematch of day that ‘changed South Africa forever’
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
Saturday 22 August 2026 14:45 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Need a reminder of the full itinerary for this landmark tour? Our catch-all explainer has you covered ahead of four huge weeks:
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule and how to watch Springboks v All Blacks
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Saturday 22 August 2026 14:35 , Harry Latham-Coyle
This is the start of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series proper, with the landmark new reciprocal touring agreement between these two nations coming at an intriguing time for South Africa, New Zealand and rugby generally:
The deeper significance behind the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Springboks v All Blacks: The players that could define first Test
Saturday 22 August 2026 14:25 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Plenty to go at in the two sides, with each selection instructive over how each team may wish to play. Here are five figures who could define this first Test:
Springboks v All Blacks: The players that could define first Test
Ardie Savea returns to lead New Zealand as All Blacks make fly half decision for first Test against South Africa
Saturday 22 August 2026 14:15 , Harry Latham-Coyle
New Zealand, meanwhile, are bolstered by their captain as Ardie Savea returns from a rest to lead the All Blacks.
Ardie Savea returns to lead New Zealand in first Test against South Africa
Siya Kolisi left out as South Africa reveal team for first New Zealand Test
Saturday 22 August 2026 14:05 , Harry Latham-Coyle
Rassie Erasmus delayed the naming of his Springboks team until Thursday, atypically late for the South Africa head coach – but there was still some major news:
Siya Kolisi left out as South Africa reveal team for first New Zealand Test
South Africa vs New Zealand LIVE
Saturday 22 August 2026 08:13 , Harry Latham-Coyle
A mighty meeting of southern hemisphere heavyweights launches properly this afternoon as South Africa and New Zealand embark on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. The storied Ellis Park is our venue for the first of four Tests between the pair as the Springboks and All Blacks collide – this should be very, very tasty indeed.
Kick off is at 4.10pm BST.
