Springboks' Greatest Rivalries Over the Years

Springboks’ Greatest Rivalries Over the Years

An enduring legacy of fierce battles, pride, and world-class rugby

The Springboks, South Africa’s national rugby team, have long been one of the most formidable and iconic teams in world rugby. Since their first international match in 1891, they have carved a legacy built on power, passion, and tactical brilliance. Over the years, this proud rugby nation has developed intense rivalries with several top-tier teams, each built on decades of drama, politics, historical moments, and unforgettable on-field contests. These rivalries have not only defined eras of Springbok rugby but have also played a pivotal role in shaping the global rugby landscape.

Here’s a deep dive into the most iconic and heated rivalries the Springboks have forged over the years.

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1. New Zealand – The All Blacks

Without question, the greatest and most storied rivalry in Springbok history is with the All Blacks of New Zealand. This rivalry is not just about rugby—it’s about two nations obsessed with the sport, whose teams are often the measuring sticks for greatness.

Dating back to 1921, this rivalry has seen everything from high drama and legendary players to political tension during apartheid. For much of the 20th century, South Africa and New Zealand were the two most dominant forces in rugby, and their matches often decided who would be the best team in the world.

Some of the most memorable clashes include the epic 1995 Rugby World Cup Final in Johannesburg, where South Africa triumphed 15-12 in extra time—a victory that united a divided nation. More recently, the Springboks’ 36-34 win in Wellington in 2018 and their 35-7 thrashing of the All Blacks in 2023 are testament to the ongoing competitiveness of this rivalry.

2. England

The rivalry with England is deeply rooted in the history of the British Empire and has been amplified on the field over the decades. While the Springboks have generally had the upper hand in terms of win-loss record, their encounters have often been physically intense and emotionally charged.

England’s 2003 World Cup win marked a high point for the Red Roses, but the Springboks responded with dominating performances, including a 36-0 drubbing in the group stages of the 2007 Rugby World Cup and a 15-6 win in the final of the same tournament. More recently, the Boks defeated England 32-12 in the 2019 World Cup Final in Japan, showcasing their dominance in the scrums and breakdowns.

This rivalry continues to simmer, with England always keen to avenge past defeats and the Springboks looking to reaffirm their superiority.

3. Australia – The Wallabies

The rivalry between the Springboks and Australia is one of mutual respect but fierce competition. While the All Blacks rivalry may be the most prestigious, clashes with the Wallabies have often been more unpredictable and open-ended.

During the early years of the Tri-Nations (now the Rugby Championship), the Wallabies posed a serious threat with their quick, expansive style. Matches in the 1990s and early 2000s were high-stakes affairs, with legends like George Gregan, John Eales, Joost van der Westhuizen, and Percy Montgomery involved.

Though the Wallabies have had periods of dominance, especially in the early 2000s, the Springboks have enjoyed recent success against them, including a 43-12 win in the 2023 Rugby Championship. The intensity remains, especially as both nations rebuild their squads toward future World Cups.

4. Wales

While traditionally not as intense as the others, the Wales rivalry has grown significantly over the last two decades. From being a fixture with predictable outcomes to a true competitive contest, recent years have seen the Welsh push the Boks to their limits.

Wales defeated South Africa in four consecutive matches between 2016 and 2019, sparking a newfound tension. However, the Springboks knocked Wales out in the 2019 Rugby World Cup semi-final, winning 19-16 in a grinding, tactical match.

In 2022, South Africa’s home series against Wales saw a historic Welsh win in Bloemfontein—marking their first-ever victory on South African soil. The Boks, however, won the series, keeping the rivalry sharp and evolving.

5. France

Matches between South Africa and France have often flown under the radar, but they have had their share of memorable encounters. With both nations known for physical dominance and flair in their respective styles, their clashes tend to be intense and unpredictable.

Historically, the Springboks have had the edge, but France has not been shy of causing upsets. The rivalry gained renewed momentum leading up to the 2023 Rugby World Cup, especially with France’s emergence as a top-tier side under Fabien Galthié.

In the 2023 quarterfinal, the Springboks edged out hosts France 29-28 in a brutal, breathless encounter in Paris—one of the greatest matches in World Cup history. The win cemented this as one of the most compelling modern rivalries in world rugby.

6. British & Irish Lions

Though not a yearly fixture, clashes with the British & Irish Lions are arguably the most emotionally and historically significant for the Springboks. Occurring only once every 12 years in South Africa, the Lions tour is rugby’s equivalent of the Olympics for the host nation.

The rivalry dates back to 1891, with numerous historic series played across the decades. The 1997 series saw the Lions stun the Boks 2-1, while South Africa responded in 2009 by winning the series in dramatic fashion. In 2021, amidst COVID restrictions and a politically charged atmosphere, South Africa again triumphed 2-1, with the world watching via broadcast as fans were kept out of stadiums.

The Lions series is less about frequency and more about legacy. Every encounter adds another layer to this century-old battle.

7. Argentina – Los Pumas

Since joining the Rugby Championship in 2012, Argentina has slowly built a gritty and passionate rivalry with South Africa. While historically one-sided, the Pumas have proven capable of upsetting the Boks, including their first-ever win over them in 2015.

Games are often characterized by hard collisions and forward battles, as both teams pride themselves on physical dominance. While not as steeped in history as other rivalries, the South Africa-Argentina clashes have become critical in shaping each Rugby Championship season.

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Final Thoughts

The Springboks’ rivalries stretch across continents, cultures, and eras, reflecting not just sporting competition but also deeper narratives around identity, pride, and resilience. From their fierce battles against New Zealand to the poetic contests with France and the historic showdowns with the Lions, South Africa’s place in the rugby world is built on facing – and often conquering – the best.

These rivalries are not merely fixtures on a calendar—they are chapters in a legacy. And with each passing match, new chapters are written, ensuring the Springboks remain at the heart of rugby’s greatest stories