The history between South Africa and New Zealand is one of the most storied rivalries in rugby, beginning in 1921. The passion, skill, and intensity of these matches have made them some of the most memorable in the sport. Ellis Park (now Emirates Airline Park), with its electrifying atmosphere and rich history, has been the backdrop for several of these epic encounters. The teams share the spoils since readmission at the stadium with 5 wins each. As we approach another chapter in this historic rivalry, with the teams competing on Saturday, let’s revisit five of the most unforgettable matches between the Springboks and the All Blacks at this iconic stadium.

1. August 15, 1992: The Return Test – South Africa 24-27 New Zealand

After years of isolation, South Africa made their official return to international rugby with the "Return Test" against New Zealand at Ellis Park. The Springboks, fielding a team of seasoned veterans, faced a well-drilled All Blacks side. The match was a tale of two halves. New Zealand dominated early on, leading 20-3 thanks to tries from Zinzan Brooke and John Kirwan, coupled with Grant Fox’s pinpoint kicking. Despite a late surge from the Springboks, including two tries in the final five minutes by Danie Gerber and Pieter Muller, the All Blacks held on for a 27-24 victory. The scoreline flattered the Boks, who were outclassed for much of the game. This match symbolized South Africa's difficult re-entry into the world rugby stage.

2. June 24, 1995: The World Cup Final – South Africa 15-12 New Zealand

The 1995 World Cup Final at Ellis Park is one of the most iconic moments in sports history. With the nation united behind the Springboks, South Africa faced the fearsome All Blacks led by the unstoppable Jonah Lomu. However, the Boks’ tactical brilliance and dogged defense kept Lomu at bay. In a match devoid of tries, it was the boot of Joel Stransky that made the difference. After a tense 9-9 stalemate in regulation time, the game went into extra time, where Stransky’s drop goal secured a 15-12 victory for South Africa. The image of Nelson Mandela handing the Webb Ellis Cup to captain Francois Pienaar in a Springbok jersey became a symbol of national unity and triumph.

3. August 19, 2000: The Thriller – South Africa 46-40 New Zealand

Ellis Park witnessed one of the most exhilarating matches in rugby history when the Springboks outlasted the All Blacks 46-40 in a high-scoring thriller. The Boks exploded out of the gates, racing to a 33-13 lead in the first half, with tries from Chester Williams and others igniting the home crowd. The All Blacks, known for their resilience, clawed their way back into the game with tries from Christian Cullen and Tana Umaga. Andrew Mehrtens’ drop goal seemed to have won it for New Zealand at 40-39, but the Boks, spurred on by the roaring crowd, scored a late try through Werner Swanepoel to seal a famous victory. It was a match that showcased the attacking brilliance and never-say-die spirit of both teams.

4. August 14, 2004: The Resurgence – South Africa 40-26 New Zealand

After years of struggle against the All Blacks, the Springboks found redemption at Ellis Park in 2004. Under new coach Jake White, the Boks ended a four-year drought against their old rivals with a 40-26 victory. The star of the day was Marius Joubert, who became only the second Springbok to score a hat-trick against New Zealand. The match was a turning point for South African rugby, as they went on to win the Tri-Nations that year. Joubert’s tries, along with a solid performance from the entire team, signaled the Boks’ return to the top tier of world rugby.

5. August 13, 2022: The Comeback – South Africa 23-35 New Zealand

In what was supposed to be Ian Foster’s swan song as All Blacks coach, New Zealand produced a remarkable performance to defeat the Springboks 35-23 at Ellis Park. Trailing 15-0 at halftime, the Springboks mounted a fierce comeback in the second half, only to be denied by a resilient All Blacks side. David Havili and Scott Barrett scored late tries to secure a hard-fought victory, showcasing the depth of character within the New Zealand team. Despite the loss, the match was a reminder of the intense rivalry between these two great rugby nations, and the unpredictable nature of their encounters.

Ellis Park: A Fortress of Memories

Ellis Park has seen its fair share of triumphs and heartbreaks in the Springboks vs. All Blacks rivalry. Each of these matches has added a new layer to the rich tapestry of rugby history, making Ellis Park not just a stadium, but a shrine to the sport. As the two teams prepare to clash once again, the echoes of past battles will surely reverberate through the stands, inspiring both players and fans alike.
We can only wait and see what the teams do on Saturday. Will the World Champions Springboks run away with it, or will the All Blacks defy all odds? Either way, we cannot wait to read the next chapter.

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]