History of rugby union matches between New Zealand and South Africa


New Zealand and South Africa have been playing test match rugby union since 1921 when the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Dunedin 13 - 5. It is one of the biggest rivalries in world rugby history. There is considerable history behind these matches, much of it off the field. In 1981, there were protests in New Zealand over the Springboks coming to New Zealand due to the then South African government's policy of apartheid. Up until 1996 New Zealand had never won a series in South Africa but South Africa had won a series in New Zealand in 1937. Up until the start of the professional era, South Africa had won 21 tests to New Zealand's 18. In the 50 matches since the start of the professional era, New Zealand have won 36 tests to South Africa's 14.
Since 2004 New Zealand and South Africa have contested the Freedom Cup, it has been included as part of the Rugby Championship since 2006.

Summary

Overall

Records

Note: Date shown in brackets indicates when the record was or last set.

Results

List of series

YearNew ZealandSouth AfricaSeries winner
192111 draw
192822 draw
193712
194904
195631
196012
196531
197013
197613
198121
199420
199621

Venues

In New Zealand

In South Africa

Points

Individual

NameCountryPointsTriesConversionsPenaltiesDrop goals
Dan CarterNew Zealand221325511
Andrew MehrtensNew Zealand209019534
Beauden BarrettNew Zealand174423360
Percy MontgomerySouth Africa103116193
Handré PollardSouth Africa96216162
Carlos SpencerNew Zealand84312150
Morné SteynSouth Africa7113191
Joel StranskySouth Africa5403142
Christian CullenNew Zealand5010000
Naas BothaSouth Africa440791
André PretoriusSouth Africa411662
Joe RokocokoNew Zealand459000
Braam van StraatenSouth Africa4005100