The four-Test series will see the two most successful international sides in rugby history go head-to-head in a classic old-school battle. The series kicks off in South Africa, where the All Blacks will feature in three Tests, alongside four tour matches against the country’s top franchises.

Adding even more excitement, a women’s Test between the Springbok Women and the Black Ferns has been added to the schedule. This match will act as the curtain-raiser for the third Test at FNB Stadium in Soweto, promising a double dose of rugby brilliance for fans.

The fourth and final Test, however, will be played in the USA, with the two bitter rivals locking horns at M&T Bank Stadium in Maryland - home of NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. 

Damian Willemse. Photo: Johan Orton

While some may feel disappointed that iconic South African venues such as Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein or Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium missed out, SA Rugby says the move aligns with a bigger strategic vision. The Free State Rugby Union is already working to resolve Toyota Stadium’s status for future events, which is a big reason no Test is being planned for Bloemfontein.

SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer has said the decision to host the Test in the USA is part of the governing body’s strategy to grow the game and reach new audiences ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup in America.

“Taking the Springboks to new audiences and territories is a key objective for South African rugby,” said Oberholzer.

Handré Pollard. Photo: Johan Orton

“The opportunity to do so in a ground-breaking match against our fiercest rivals was a major factor in deciding where the fourth Test would be played.

“With fans able to see the Boks in action in three home Tests, the chance to share that excitement in the US is huge – especially with both the men’s and women’s Rugby World Cups heading there in the next few years.

“While the All Blacks have played in the USA regularly, the Boks have only been there twice this millennium. We’re thrilled to take them to Baltimore and engage with a growing rugby community.”

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry will kick off on 7 August, with the Stormers hosting the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium in Green Point, and will conclude with the fourth Test in Baltimore on 12 September.

Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixtures 2026:

•             Friday 7 August: Stormers v All Blacks, Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

•             Tuesday 11 August: Sharks v All Blacks, Kings Park, Durban

•             Saturday 15 August: Bulls v All Blacks, Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

•             Saturday 22 August: Springboks v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg (first Test)

•             Tuesday 25 August: Lions v All Blacks, Ellis Park, Johannesburg

•             Saturday 29 August: Springboks v All Blacks, Cape Stadium, Cape Town (second Test)

•             Saturday 5 September: Springbok Women v Black Ferns, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

•             Saturday 5 September: Springboks v All Blacks, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (third Test)

•             Saturday 12 September: Springboks v All Blacks, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA (fourth Test)

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs