In Johannesburg, 1995, the Springboks clinched the World Cup in a magical moment as they defeated the All Blacks 15-12. This victory, highlighted by the iconic image of Nelson Mandela in Francois Pienaar’s No 6 jersey, is widely considered the pinnacle of South African sports history. The match is famously remembered for Joost van der Westhuizen's pivotal tackle on Jonah Lomu.
The 1998 clash in Durban showcased one of the most dramatic comebacks in Test history, with the Springboks overturning a 23-5 deficit to win 24-23 and secure their first Tri-Nations title. Key tries from Joost van der Westhuizen and Bobby Skinstad sparked the revival, capped by James Dalton’s last-minute try, sending the crowd into a frenzy.
Fast forward to 2004 in Johannesburg, where the Boks ended an eight-match losing streak against the All Blacks with a thrilling 40-26 victory. Marius Joubert was the standout performer, notching a hat-trick and setting up another try.
The 2008 Test in Dunedin broke an 87-year winless streak for the Springboks there, with a narrow 30-28 victory. Ricky Januarie’s brilliant solo try and the subsequent conversion by Frans Steyn left a mark in what was dubbed the 'House of Pain'.
In 2009, Hamilton witnessed the Springboks clinching the Tri-Nations with a tense 32-29 win. An intercept try by Jean de Villiers was crucial as the Boks held off a late All Black surge.
The 2014 match in Johannesburg saw the Springboks edge the All Blacks 27-25. With the game slipping away, Pat Lambie’s 55m penalty in the final minute was a display of sheer nerve, ensuring a memorable victory.
The 2018 encounter in Wellington saw the Springboks stun the All Blacks 36-34, marking their first win in New Zealand since 2009. Key tries from Aphiwe Dyantyi and Cheslin Kolbe, along with Handre Pollard’s steady boot, were decisive.
In London, 2023, the Springboks recorded a massive 35-7 win in a World Cup warm-up, which included a dominant first half performance that set the tone for a historic victory.
Later in 2023 at the Stade de France, the Springboks defended their World Cup title by defeating the All Blacks 12-11 in a defensive masterclass, featuring a critical 27 tackles from Pieter-Steph du Toit. Handre Pollard’s kicking was vital once again.
Most recently, in 2025, the Springboks dismantled the All Blacks 43-10 in Wellington, a record-breaking victory that included a stellar performance by Cheslin Kolbe, who scored twice.
As the rivalry continues to evolve, these games remain etched in the annals of rugby history, celebrated not just for their outcomes but for their spirit and the incredible athletic performances they showcased.
