🔥 Trending Rugby Greats Rivalry Tour: Latest Selections and Team News

The "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series in 2026 features significant squad selections from both the Springboks (South Africa) and the All Blacks (New Zealand). Both teams have announced their squads for this highly anticipated tour, which includes multiple matches against each other and, for the All Blacks, games against South African URC teams ¹²³.

Springboks Squad Selections

Rassie Erasmus, the Springboks coach, has named a 43-player squad for their upcoming matches, which include the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against the All Blacks and a fixture against Argentina ¹⁹.

Key aspects of the Springboks selection:

• Squad Size: 43 players have been selected ¹⁹.
• Coaching: Rassie Erasmus is at the helm, making the selections ¹.
• Focus: The squad is preparing for both the Argentina match and the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series against New Zealand ⁹.
• Notable Mentions: Planet Rugby has highlighted "winners and losers" from Erasmus's 43 selections, indicating some contentious or noteworthy inclusions/exclusions ¹. Specific player names like Roos and Sacha have been mentioned in discussions around the squad ¹.

All Blacks Squad Selections

Dave Rennie, the All Blacks coach, is set to confirm a 44-man squad for their Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour to South Africa ²⁵. This tour is substantial, involving eight matches, including a four-Test series against the Springboks and games against South Africa's four URC teams ³.

Key aspects of the All Blacks selection:

• Squad Size: A 44-man squad is expected ²⁵.
• Coaching: Dave Rennie is responsible for the selections ²⁵.
• Tour Scope: The tour is described as unprecedented in recent history due to its scale, involving eight matches ³.
• Selection Process: There was considerable debate among Kiwi rugby insiders for the final ten spots in the squad ². Liam Napier, a Kiwi rugby correspondent, has revealed players expected to feature in Rennie's squad ⁵.
• Opponents: The All Blacks will face the Springboks in a four-Test series and also play against South Africa's four United Rugby Championship (URC) teams ³.

The "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series is a major event, with both nations committing significant resources and planning to deliver the tour ³⁴. The rivalry itself is built on a history of over 100 Test matches and a combined seven Rugby World Cup titles between South Africa and New Zealand ¹⁰.