All Blacks vs Springboks 2026: Fixtures, Times & Where to Watch
The All Blacks vs Springboks rivalry returns in August 2026 with a four-Test series that begins at Ellis Park on 22 August. The tour marks their first full series since 1996 and replaces their usual Rugby Championship meetings for the year. For South African fans, this guide brings together the current fixtures, SAST kick-off times, viewing options and key storylines shaping the series. It also includes practical tips for setting up a reliable match-day viewing area at home.
Key Takeaways
The series includes four Tests, with three in South Africa and the finale in Baltimore.
All three South African Tests currently start at 17:10 SAST.
SuperSport and DStv provide the main viewing options in South Africa, subject to final channel confirmation.
The wider tour includes four matches against South African URC franchises.
South Africa have won four of the last five Tests in the rivalry.
All Blacks vs Springboks 2026 Fixtures and SAST Kick-off Times
Few fixtures attract the same level of attention from South African rugby supporters as the Springboks against the All Blacks. The 2026 Springboks vs All Blacks fixtures will run from late August to mid-September, with four Tests scheduled across Johannesburg, Cape Town and Baltimore in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry fixture schedule.
Date | Test | Venue | Location | Kick-off (SAST) |
22 August 2026 | First Test | Ellis Park | Johannesburg | 17:10 |
29 August 2026 | Second Test | DHL Stadium | Cape Town | 17:10 |
5 September 2026 | Third Test | FNB Stadium | Johannesburg | 17:10 |
12 September 2026 | Fourth Test | M&T Bank Stadium | Baltimore, USA | 23:00 |
*Match dates and kick-off times may change, so check the latest official fixture information before each Test.
Tickets for the South African Tests and the Baltimore finale go through different official channels:
For the three South African Tests, check current seats and ticket categories through the official Springboks ticketing platform.
For the Baltimore finale, check the official All Blacks tour page for Baltimore tickets.
Key Storylines for the 2026 Series
Recent results favour South Africa, but form is only one part of the picture. The All Blacks also face a packed six-week tour, three very different Test locations and several selection decisions across the eight matches.
Recent Form and Head-to-Head Record
South Africa have won four of the last five Tests between the teams, including three consecutive victories before New Zealand won at Eden Park in September 2025. The Springboks responded a week later with a 43–10 win in Wellington.
New Zealand still lead the overall rivalry. By the end of 2025, the teams had played 110 Tests, with 63 wins for the All Blacks, 43 for the Springboks and four draws. The table below lists the five most recent Springboks vs All Blacks results.
Date | Result | Venue |
13 September 2025 | New Zealand 10–43 South Africa | Sky Stadium, Wellington |
6 September 2025 | New Zealand 24–17 South Africa | Eden Park, Auckland |
7 September 2024 | South Africa 18–12 New Zealand | DHL Stadium, Cape Town |
31 August 2024 | South Africa 31–27 New Zealand | Ellis Park, Johannesburg |
28 October 2023 | New Zealand 11–12 South Africa | Stade de France, Paris |
A Busy Eight-Match Tour
The regular Rugby Championship format does not feature in the 2026 calendar. Instead, the All Blacks will play eight matches in six weeks, including four fixtures against South African URC teams and four Tests against the Springboks.
That schedule gives New Zealand little time to recover between some matches. Both teams may rotate players, manage minor injuries and adjust their line-ups as the tour moves towards the final Tests.
Three Very Different Test Locations
Each Test presents a different setting, which may affect how the teams prepare and play.
Johannesburg: Ellis Park and FNB Stadium host the first and third Tests at altitude. The conditions may challenge visiting players, especially late in the match.
Cape Town: DHL Stadium offers sea-level conditions and a cooler coastal setting for the second Test.
Baltimore: The final Test moves to a neutral venue after a long journey to the United States, giving both teams a less familiar match-day environment.
How the Teams May Rotate Their Squads
The wider tour gives both coaching teams more players and fixtures to manage before and between the Tests. Selection may depend on recovery, recent performances and how much game time each player needs.
All Blacks: New Zealand selected a 44-player touring squad, including experienced internationals, returning players and three uncapped members. The larger group gives the coaches more options across the franchise matches and Tests.
Springboks: South Africa selected 43 players for the Argentina Test and the All Blacks series. Five players also returned to their franchises for the tour fixtures, giving the Springbok coaches another way to manage preparation and match time.
Where to Watch the Springboks vs All Blacks in South Africa
SuperSport is expected to broadcast the series in South Africa. You can watch through a DStv decoder or use DStv Stream on a compatible device, depending on the channels included in your package.
Watch on SuperSport via DStv
If you already have a DStv decoder, SuperSport Rugby on channel 211 will likely serve as the main channel for the series. SuperSport Grandstand on channel 201 may also carry selected Tests, especially when SuperSport schedules the match across more than one channel.
SuperSport Rugby, channel 211: You can expect live rugby coverage, pre-match discussion and post-match analysis on the dedicated rugby channel.
SuperSport Grandstand, channel 201: You may find selected Tests here when SuperSport gives the match wider coverage.
DStv decoder: This option works well when your package already includes the channel showing the Test and you plan to watch on your main television.
Stream the Tests with DStv Stream
DStv Stream gives you more flexibility when you do not want to watch through a decoder. You can stream the SuperSport channels included in your package on a compatible smart TV, computer, phone, tablet, game console or media player. Existing DStv customers can use their streaming access, and a standalone DStv Stream subscription lets you watch without satellite equipment.
Smart TV or streaming device: Choose this option when you want the full match on a larger screen.
Computer or web browser: This gives you a practical alternative when someone else uses the main television.
Phone or tablet: Mobile viewing can help when you are away from the main screen or watching from another part of the home.
Concurrent viewing: DStv currently lets you use two simultaneous streams by default, and eligible accounts can add paid mobile streams when more people need access.
Short power interruptions can still disrupt a streamed match, even when your internet connection is stable. A UPS for your TV can protect the screen from brief outages, although the router and streaming device also need backup power to keep DStv Stream running.
When you cannot watch the full broadcast, you can follow the All Blacks vs Springboks live scores, match clock and current match status through the SuperSport Match Centre once the relevant fixture page goes live.
How to Set Up Your All Blacks vs Springboks Match-Day Viewing Experience
Test the Internet Connection and Streaming Device
Test Wi-Fi from the Viewing Location: Check signal strength directly in the area where guests will sit, especially when setting up in an outdoor braai area.
Open DStv Stream in Advance: Sign into your account well before kick-off to avoid last-minute authentication delays.
Check System and App Updates: Verify that your streaming box, smart TV, and DStv Stream application run the latest software versions.
Verify Stream Stability: Play a live video stream for several minutes to confirm smooth playback and picture quality.
Prepare a Mobile Hotspot: Set up a phone hotspot in advance in case your home internet drops.
Pause Large Downloads: Stop heavy file downloads, cloud syncing, and system updates on all household devices during the match to preserve bandwidth.
Arrange the Screen, Sound and Viewing Area
Place the screen where everyone can see it without glare from windows or outdoor lighting. If you use a projector, test the image size, focus and brightness before guests arrive.
Arrange seating and test your audio system before guests arrive. Keep match commentary crisp and clear across the entire viewing space without pushing the volume to uncomfortable levels. Route all power cables safely away from walkways, food stations, and braai areas to prevent accidental trips or spills.
Keep Essential Viewing Devices Running
A smooth match-day setup requires continuous power to several key devices, including your screen, Wi-Fi router, streaming player, and sound system. Fully charge all smartphones and tablets before kick-off.
Before connecting your equipment to a backup source, calculate the cumulative running wattage of all devices. Actual TV power consumption varies by screen size, display technology and picture settings, so check the rating label instead of relying only on an average figure.
Viewing Device | Average Running Wattage | Power Setup Strategy |
Wi-Fi Router & Fibre ONT | 10W – 25W | Connect to a mini-UPS or portable battery to preserve internet connectivity during a power outage. |
55"–65" Smart LED TV | 110W – 210W | Pair with a 1kWh battery unit to ensure continuous viewing throughout the entire match. |
Soundbar / Compact Audio | 30W – 80W | Share power with your main display unit to keep commentary crisp and clear. |
Outdoor Projector (Braai Setup) | 180W – 350W | Connect to a 2kWh high-capacity power station to support bright outdoor projection and sound. |
*These figures provide a general reference. Check the rating label or manufacturer specifications for each device before calculating the total load.
A smaller setup with a TV, router and phone charging may need a different backup solution from a group setup that also includes a projector, speakers and lighting.
For a TV, router and compact sound setup, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station has enough output for the combined load. Its fast UPS switchover helps keep the screen and internet connection stable during a brief power interruption, while the compact build makes it easier to move between the lounge and an outdoor braai area.
For a higher-demand setup, where a TV or projector is running alongside speakers, lighting and several charging devices, the EcoFlow DELTA 3 Max Portable Power Station provides greater capacity and output for the combined load. Its quiet operation also helps prevent fan noise from competing with the commentary and match-day atmosphere.
Conclusion
The 2026 All Blacks vs Springboks series brings four Tests to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Baltimore. Check the latest SAST kick-off time and SuperSport channel before each match, as fixture and broadcast details may change. Testing the screen, Wi-Fi connection and essential backup equipment in advance can help keep the match-day setup running smoothly from kick-off to the final whistle.
FAQs
Why is the fourth Springboks vs All Blacks Test being played in Baltimore?
SA Rugby, New Zealand Rugby and World Rugby chose Baltimore as part of their effort to grow rugby in the United States before the 2031 Men’s and 2033 Women’s Rugby World Cups. M&T Bank Stadium also sits in a city involved in the 2031 host selection process, giving the fixture value beyond the four-Test series.
Do the matches against the Stormers, Sharks, Bulls and Lions count as official Tests?
No. These four franchise fixtures form part of New Zealand’s broader tour, but they do not count as official Test matches between the All Blacks and Springboks. Only the four national-team clashes directly influence the official head-to-head record and world rankings. However, these midweek matches offer local South African franchises a rare opportunity to challenge the All Blacks while letting coaches test squad depth throughout the six-week tour.
Will the Springbok Women play the Black Ferns during the 2026 tour?
Yes. The Springbok Women will face the Black Ferns at 13:30 SAST at FNB Stadium before the third men’s Test. The fixture forms part of the same double-header and gives spectators two South Africa versus New Zealand internationals on the day.