The rugby rivalry between New Zealand's All Blacks and South Africa's Springboks, which began in 1921, is widely considered the greatest in world rugby, with both nations holding seven of the ten Rugby World Cup trophies between them. The rivalry's history extends far beyond the pitch, marked by the 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand, which sparked massive civil unrest against Apartheid, and the iconic 1995 World Cup final, where Nelson Mandela and captain Francois Pienaar presented the trophy together, a symbol of post-Apartheid reconciliation. While New Zealand dominated the early 21st century (posting a 31–10 record from 2001–2017), the Springboks have surged since coach Rassie Erasmus took over in 2018, winning the series 8–6 and handing New Zealand its worst-ever defeat (a 43–10 loss in 2025). In 110 total test matches, the All Blacks lead 63 to 43 with 4 draws, and each side holds the other's largest loss—New Zealand won 57–0 in 2017. Since 2004, the teams have also competed for the Freedom Cup, now part of the annual Rugby Championship, ensuring this intense, historic rivalry remains a centerpiece of modern rugby.