BIGGEST RIVALRY IN RUGBY? OR SPORT?! | SOUTH AFRICA vs NEW ZEALAND BUILD UP

The 2 most successful teams in our sport go head to head once again in 6 days! Where does South Africa versus New Zealand rank in terms of the great rugby and sporting rivalries.

[@EggchasersRugby]

😂rest assured I haven't just announced the UNretirement of Retallick. Momentarily my brain was back in 2023 at that WC final.

[@gb11712]

You are forgiven

[@devilliers2422]

Was just about to research that now😅. Not used to you making any mistakes. Great content!

[@drinkingup2157]

I almost dropped my beer when I heard that.

[@Tehui1974]

I spat out my coffee when you said that. 🤣

[@oldblack15]

Manifest it. Like top rugby players do.

[@stephenconeglan1173]

Was supposed to go home to NZ for three weeks in February, dependent on the All Blacks winning the world cup. We got pipped in the final by the Springboks. So I changed plans and went to South Africa for the first time instead, to pay my respects to the back-to-back world champions. That attitude saw something very cool happen. I showed up outside the stadium to get a few pics but deep down wanting much more than that when somehow, by divine blessing, I ended up getting a free, impromptu private tour of Ellis Park! Went into the team dressing rooms, the ref's room, the corporate boxes, and the commentary boxes. I saw where the bus enters the stadium, sat on Nelson Mandela's seat when he went to games, and walked out onto the middle of the park in bare feet in the summer warmth. It was an unreal two-hour experience. Said a little karakia for the boys while I was out there because they are going to need it against this Bok team. The 1981 Bok team in NZ was the best I have ever seen in Bok colors. This current team has the potential to be even better, maybe the best in the professional era. We Kiwis love the Springboks and South Africans. They ask of you everything you've got on the field. We ask the same of them. The best team on the day will win, as is always the case. And the respect we have for each other will always run deep.

[@gb11712]

Perfectly said

[@gb11712]

As a south african we have the utmost respect for the All Blacks

[@RozWentworth]

Absolutely

[@MosesMatsepane]

Me too, someone promised me tickets for the game on Saturday. I was there in 2022, I experienced an insane sense of pride being there. I was overwhelmed with emotions, I had never experienced anything like that before. There is something magical about Ellis Park when the All Blacks are playing the Springboks. Anthem, Flyover and everyone wearing a Bok Jersey.

[@dn822]

m

[@GBH001]

And vice versa brother. No bigger challenge for an All Black than there is to beat the bokke on the high veldt.

[@arceyes]

Absolute respect for our Kiwi cousins. So much history between us. I watched Springboks v All Blacks at Newlands with my late father and the place was electric.

[@samsua3549]

As a Nz’der, All Blacks vs SA always hit different. The memories still remain clear of waking up at 3am in the morning as a little kid to watch this epic rivalry. If we weren’t winning then I’m cheering for the Bocks even if it meant winning a world cup because they represent the Southern Hemisphere. Plus they have the best national anthem IMO. Respect 🇳🇿🤝🇿🇦

[@matthewalexander7574]

I am a South African born and raised. My blood is green. I am a die hard BOK fan. But when I see the haka I get a rush of pride. Because I know that those guys bring the best out of us. Any New Zealander is welcome for a beer and a braai at my place.

[@jimjones8381]

Nice Bro 👍🏼

[@AllBlacksNZ]

Ditto…

[@Andy_M986]

Thanks bru, would love to join you,much respect.

[@L4GW1THAFR4G]

Must respect to you brother, hoping for a good match

[@oldblack15]

The rugby is contested on the field. The reflection and the beers after the game. Looking forward to the matchups and the game plans. Cheers to the game .

[@Cuzzie83]

I'm South African. I live in Paris. I was in California for work over the RWC 2023 final. I found an Irish pub there to watch the game (at midday). It was a sea of black and green. And you know what? Zero animosity. 100% respect. 100% camaraderie. It was brilliant. I have all the time in the world for the ABs and their fans.

[@stanedgie5910]

i think Saffa fans would be the same. we dont hate NZ fans, we just have a "i dont like your team , but i do like you" mentality

[@hithere3035]

just because it was fine in that pub that you went to, doesn't mean it isn't happening else where. Rugby toxicity is crazy defiantly around the World cup and most of the toxic fans come from South Africa. Those fans are the worst. They blame everything on the referee and super toxic to other fans. NZ fans are some of the best, even in defeat (which isn't often) they appretiate how good of a performance it takes to beat NZ.

[@brandwessels8582]

​@@hithere3035And we get this kind of toxicity and disrespect.

[@Wildlife_SA.]

​@@hithere3035 you've just proved how toxic NZ fans can be, and let me quess? Still sulking over the WC final loss! Get over yourself! 😒

[@arceyes]

I was one of 4 South Africans in an Aussie pub in Amsterdam, surrounded by AB fans when the Boks beat the ABs to win the 09 tri-nations. It was heated during the game but all mates afterwards 😅

[@caindonovan5916]

AB supporter here. I remember walking into an off license in the UK with my two saffa buddies, on our way to watch a tri nations match. The dude at the counter noticed our jerseys and asked what we were up to. When we told him, he couldn't believe we were mates, let alone going to watch the match together when we support opposing teams 😂 After the match (ABs won), my friend took off his Bok jersey and humbly presented it to me It's a unique and beautiful rivalry. Love the Boks and their fans 🖤

[@FloatLikeABee]

What's good, my New Zealand brothers? Can't wait for our boys to lay it all out on the pitch after that Haka. Much love, a Saffa brother.

[@hithere3035]

cringe. stop being overly nice it's weird.

[@michaelmoynihan9591]

​cringe.😂😂😂 they were not so nice to each other after world cup.😂😂😂

[@PowrAl]

Sounds like a DDP v Izzy fight outro🤣

[@timmado8441]

Hey my bro all the best for your team also will see you on sunday 🎉

[@oldblack15]

Sting like a butterfly

Im a minister in a church in Newhaven, Edinburgh, and being South African, I'm a Springbok fan-atic. One Sunday morning I met a man at the door after the service wearing an All Black rugby jersey, and I told him "I never want to see that jersey in this church again." He looked shocked, but I smiled at him and he relaxed. I really wasn't kidding, though. 😂😂 We have a café at our church, and Ive told the people who work there that they must not put fern patterns on the coffee foam. They have to learn to make Springboks instead. The rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks is fantastic, though. Im glad to see the respect. Thank you for this podcast, Tim. Excellent, as usual.

[@randomlyfactual1943]

Absolutely love this comment

[@barbarawright7983]

When do you arrive in South Africa Tim .

[@IncredibleMet]

Forgive me father for I have sinned. I went on a bender and wore an All Blacks top. Priest: Child, some sins are just unforgivable

[@BLUES_N8]

Lord says. A man tongue is poison and full of toxic ☠️ and preaching his name? Shaking my head

[@derekfelton8287]

God bless you

[@BoereViking]

The thing about this rivalry is the mutual respect. Have a look at all the other rivalries in sport, the fans despise each other.Not when it comes to the Bokke vs All Blacks. 70% of all Rugby World Cups won belong to these two nations. ❤️🇿🇦

[@stephenconeglan1173]

It's not just the fans that respect one another. It's the players, too. In 1997 Springbok hardman Ruben Kruger broke his leg during the test in Auckland. After the game a group of All Blacks went to the hospital to pay their respects bedside to the great man. He had earned that respect from the All Blacks with his never-say-die, in-your-face style of play. And who can forget Jonah Lomu flying to South Africa to visit the great Joost van der Westhuizen? Both men were terminally ill at the time. The love and respect both men had for one another transcended their battles out on the park. And yet, it was grounded in that rivalry and competitiveness that is at the heart of every Springbok-All Black clash. Two of the greatest players ever to have played the sport: immense rivals on the field, but united in bonds of deepest respect through it. Let's keep it that way.

[@bernardwhitcomb3258]

I don't like it if the All Blacks loose to anyone except the Boks😂

[@isaaccpt6643]

This is so true haha😂

[@JD-qn5dv]

That doesnt say much from a SA supporter 😂

[@icefarrow7959]

I begrudgingly accept a loss to Ireland now too, though that first loss in 2016 had me the saltiest... 😅

[@Jean-PierreBotha-qf9gu]

Would lose to the ABs any day much respect from ZA

[@salemmurray711]

The difference I feel between the Springbok v All Black rivalry compared to the others is the immense amount of mutual respect between the two nations. As a kiwi. The likes of India v Pakistan rivalry is fueled by pure hatred. I don't know how many are fueled by respect, not dislike/hatred.

[@ContendformyFaith]

💯

[@johannblignaut1966]

Totally in agreement.

[@GBH001]

@@salemmurray711 yes it is, but it is also fueled by the long history during the amateur era when the Boks- ABs series were the fight to be crowned unofficial world champions. SA were ahead in the head to head for a long time and the ABs saw them as the benchmark and beating them became a national obsession. During the 1981 springbok tour it became a civil war in NZ with protestors at every game/riots and games cancelled. It is considered a pivotal moment in Nz history and where a young country started to find its own identity. Nothing in sport beats SA-NZ

[@HerbalTee69]

This is true , special rivalry

[@trevoroutim8519]

Absolutely. I'm a SAFFA and feel that the Boks and the ABs bring out the best in each other. That's why they need each other.

[@Chondro_2]

That old saying, Iron sharpens Iron, these two giants are exactly that. They bring the best out in each other... Going to be EPIC

[@mfundonkosi6927]

SA, NZ has also given one of the greatest sporting moments in history. When Mandela showed up wearing Francois Pienaar's number 6. Lifting that trophy in 1995. A whole nation united. The importance of that moment cannot be understated. Without that match, without the rivalry, without that moment, South Africa would not have that positive collective memory to pin our hope despite the challenges we may face. We're brothers off the field but we go to war when we're on it. 🇿🇦🤝🇳🇿

[@michaelrooks4030]

And without the dodgy coffee..he wouldn't be holding the cup either..we were totally ripped off

[@mfundonkosi6927]

As a South African, all we want is to play the All Blacks. That's the pinnacle. All respects to our Kiwi brothers. We look forward to the fight on the field this coming weekend. 🇿🇦🤝🇳🇿

[@clibo1]

Wow that shot of the plane flying over the stadium the stadium is just perfection 🤌. The Ellis Park match this weekend will be at the end of the Month, Spring time. The entire Republic of South Africa is plannibg events aroylund this. The braais can probably be seen from Space 😅. Thank you New Zealand for touring South Africa, please let's rekindle those Old School full Test Rugby Tours between us 🇿🇦🤝🇳🇿

[@michaelrooks4030]

U mean when we couldn't pick Maori players to go tour ..or the 1970 tour where the south African government made 4 Maori all blacks honorary whites..

[@talana9771]

This South African grandmother's blood is green and gold, will always be...BUT if my Boks arent playing, my cheers will always go to the AB's. We just love them in SA, huge respect! Believe me, we are nervous when we play the AB's and they have a massive fan base and love in SA. I seriously am sad when the AB's loose. They are only allowed to loose against my Boks!

[@robincamp5386]

Tim, with the big game coming up, I feel I should share a story that redounds to the credit of New Zealand and the All Blacks. It’s a wonderful thing that happened: that sadly could never happen today. August 1992, Ellis Park, Sean Fitzpatrick’s boys narrowly beat the Boks. First test after readmission. An hour later I’m in the Club 1000 bar overlooking the field, drowning my sorrows with my mates, when I’m tapped on the shoulder by Frank Bunce ( very smart in his AB blazer ). He has my ten year old son ( now a surgeon in Toronto ) by the hand - I thought my boy was on the field playing touch with his older brother. Frank didn’t stay, he had to get to the official function. He shook my hand, said a few nice things about my son’s politeness, tousled the boy’s hair, and left. The story is a follows: my boy - Mark - runs into the tunnel as the whistle blew with a pen and the program to get autographs. The Boks and the ABs sign a few autographs but can’t sign for every kid. Markis so disappointed as the players disappear down the tunnel. Suddenly a huge arm lifts him up - Olo Brown had been lagging behind and saw my little chap’s disappointment. Olo lifts Mark onto his shoulder and carries him into the change room and gets the signature of every player: the Brooks brothers, Little, the two Joneses, Grant Fox, the fearsome Loe, Jamie Joseph, and the mighty Tuigamala. Mark says one of the ABs started to play a guitar, he thinks it was the same Olo Brown, and the boys sing as the go in and out of the showers. For over an hour they took notice of my little guy, all of them spoiling him and chatting, teaching him the words of the songs. And when they had to go up to the official reception, Frank Bunce and Walter Little brought my lad safely back to me. Robin

[@oldblack15]

Thanks for sharing, love it. We need to be caring and respectful of others. Maori and islanders especially are family oriented. He would have been treated as such.

[@JohnBradfield]

Thank you for sharing this brilliant story.

[@stephenconeglan1173]

Great story, thanks for sharing. Your boy will remember that always. And don't be surprised, that sort of thing could still happen today.

[@derekfelton8287]

Wonderful :)

[@DanSHOUT]

Don’t be jealous, Tim! We’ve already granted you honorary citizenship - the rivalry between SA & NZ is yours (as long as you support the Bokke! 😜)

[@ZiphoWophula-mb5wi]

This guy's content is top tier, wish he could go 25 mins every video 😅

[@barneycle99]

Brilliant video, first rugby channel I actually enjoy watching

[@tims1542]

Thanks tim. Lovely tribute to rivalry across the ages. Have a safe flight back to my home country, ill be watching from the uk 😅😢❤

[@elsterver]

Tim, to my shame, I only started following you when you visited South Africa. Loved how you fell in love with the people and the place. Love the way you look at the games and now what can I say, I don't miss a video of you.

[@alani281]

Me too you s/b wearing a green & gold shirt

[@elsterver]

@@alani281 And I love doing that. Looking forward to this weekend meeting our greatest opposition

[@harrymac5229]

i dont mind losing to SA but to england or france and now ireland is a big thing, maybe northern hemisphere vs southern is?

[@dee3041]

You don't have to be jealous... As an Afrikaner I will admit that Great Britain had a huge hand in our growth as a country. Buy a Springbok joursey and wear it with pride... but when England plays SA we are your rival... and that is what makes sports amazing. I am a South African... I want us to win a 3rd world cup in a row... but I also want England to win another one... Sports bring people together... I love that.

[@JahnBeukesMusic]

Tim, we are, regardless of form, properly sh*tting ourselves as Bok fans for the games against the AB's, as we always do. Those wonderful AB bastards of Rugby always seem to take a step up against us, as do we against them. It will be massive. Greatest rivalry in sport? Hell yes. I was there at Ellis Park in '95 at the RWC Final, and I can tell you this: Loftus, Kings Park, Newlands (Cape Town) and Bloem have NOTHING on the Ellis Park crowd. It's not war. It's not life or death. It is way beyond than that. The Jo'burg crowd have no mercy, the intensity is beyond your wildest dreams or nightmares, and if even the AB players speak of it with reverence and fear, then you know you're in for a ride beyond your wildest imagination. I will be there, and hope to bump in to you and buy you a pint and some biltong. (As for the Cape Crusaders, most South Africans regard them with pity and scorn.)

[@myshepspud1]

I agree with the Cape Crusaders. I mean come on at this point..

[@ABB24-07]

This Bok team would probably have to win this rugby championship, next year's rugby championship, the 2026 3 match tour of NZ to SA & 2027 WC to be considered the best/better than the incredible 2015 All Blacks team. It's doable though given how much depth currently exists in SA rugby.

[@dudleyvenner8019]

Welcome back in SA , enjoy your stay !!

[@newmenewme5697]

As a south african i think that 2010-2015 all blacks team was the greatest team to ever take to a rugby field. I just feel the boks lack that ruhlessness and killer instinct to hammer teams on the scoreboard and havent been consistent enough. Even games we dominate sometimes we end up losing because we dont score enough points.Hopefully we can develop our attack and then i think we will will truly have the ability to not only dominate but really hurt teams on the scoreboard as well.

[@stevebuchmann9868]

I love my Boks but we need to temper our over-optimism based on recent results. We ground out wins for the RWC but on any given day NZ, Fra and Ire can be beat us, and more to the point really want to. Bloody hell I love rugby!

[@sibzism]

Agree!! But I also believe in our men. 💪🏾💪💪🏻 they can do this!! 🇿🇦 I'm "cautiously optimistic" 😂😂 but again...NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE ABS!!

[@stephenconeglan1173]

Love that last line bro! Don't underestimate that grinding out wins. Even though you beat us in the final, I gotta say that the 2023 Boks had a much harder road to the final than any of the previous winners. That you guys still had anything left in the tank to take that final says a great deal about the coaching team and the will to win. Respect!

[@patrickohara1653]

From a Bok fan - Beware a wounded All Black side. There will be no quarter given. Too many presume the result.

[@user-cj5tb7lw6v]

I agree Patrick. I’m an expat in NZ and I do not just assume the boks will win. It is always on the day how each team chooses to show up.

[@clayden1951]

My father, as an 11 year old, managed to sneak into the rugby test at Carisbrook Dunedin, in 1921. Apparently a gap in the tin fence somewhere. My father told me many stories about the AB, Boks rivalry, especially how the whole nation got behind the ABs in 1956 after the disastrous 0-4 defeats in S.A in 49! As had been pointed out many times, it's the mutual respect and admiration of both sets of players, fans that sets this rivalry apart from others. Should be docos made about this 100 year rivalry. :)

[@vitamingreen4815]

I'm South African, and a huge Boks supporter, but I still think the 2015 ABs team was the greatest of all time. Rassie and the boys are going to have to dominate for a few more years to be called the greatest. I think if you asked them yourself, they'd agree.

[@EggchasersRugby]

I agree. I only said this SA team have the *potential to be regarded greater. A Rugby Championship an essential start on that quest.

[@EggchasersRugby]

I agree. I only said this SA team have the *potential to be regarded greater. A Rugby Championship an essential start on that quest.

[@tobolee6385]

If they win the next world cup ..theres no argument ..

[@stanedgie5910]

@@EggchasersRugby aggree, and no better statement or point to prove, than to win this years Championship. It will say that this SA team, are up there, wth the 2015 NZ team. Not saying they are better, but., are in contention

[@Crimsonfate]

They went undefeated in back to back world cups

[@murraysmith595]

As a kiwi it historically was SA and is again now. But in the 90s early 2000s it was all about beating Australia.

[@stevefoster1104]

I think your right , must be up there as greatest Rivalry. Some classics over the years. Keep up great videos mate , really enjoy the depth you go.. keeps me up to date in the rugby world when away at work in Iraq.

[@peterlow1513]

Man EggMaster out of all the rugby commentators out there i gotta say i go looking for your content first. Your love and passion for the game is seriously infectious.

[@jackdarby8904]

Kiwi here, the NZ vs SA rivalry is the best in rugby going in my opinion. I love any time the All Blacks play the Boks and have huge respect for SA.

[@AllInTheGame01]

It's the biggest & most competitive rivalry in high level International Rugby. GER/NED & ARG/BRA are two great International Football Rivalries!

[@potsie7778]

A nation of 6 million v a nation of 60 million has earned respect. The Boks will always be the ultimate test. Can remember getting up in early hours of morning to listen to the crackling radio broadcasts. Virtually impossible to win tests in SA in those days.

[@mxndog6416]

Yes, NZ vs South Africa 🇿🇦 is a world sporting spectacle. England 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 vs NZ, South Africa and Australia at Twickenham is also a marvellous event but I think NZ vs South Africa is as good as it gets.

[@bojackhorsemanners]

Can't wait to have you back in SA, covering these games. The old SB AB rivalry is honestly one of the most beautiful things in the sport for me. Love the absolute stress I feel every time they play.

[@RozWentworth]

Always deep respect for ABs...as deep as our rivalry...these 2 teams brings up childhood rivaley memories in our household too😂😂😂

[@willrobberts8759]

Love your channel Tim. Big fan! Here is quick stat that is never mentioned. Having missed the two first World Cups due to sanctions, South Africa has won 4 out of the 8 World cups they played. I don’t think any sporting team in any sport has had that dominance. What do you think? Ps before the first World Cup in 1987, the Boks actually beat the All Blacks in the Cavaliers tour of SA.

[@djcoxical]

The New Zealand Black Ferns have won 6 of the 9 Rugby World Cups contested (and didn't compete in the 1994 tournament in Scotland), so are the most successful rugby World Cup winning team.

[@ChinaNumbaWon]

I dont hate on England. A tiny island that conquered half the world deserves some respect.

[@Marius_vanderLubbe]

You think that's something to be proud of?

[@keitha6314]

I agree Tim, it is most definitely the top rivalry in rugby. From an Irish perspective we have a much better relationship with English rugby than many of the other 6 Nations due to them being the only major nation to back our World Cup bid.

[@greekcypriotsouthafrican]

Boks vs ABs - rugby Argentina vs Brazil - football England vs Australia - cricket

[@JohnEDow-jo2inBokke]

Perhaps Australia vs South Africa in ODI's......that's a huge rivalry there. Yes in test (especially the Ashes) ....it's definitely Eng vs Aus

[@danielcillie1856]

​@@JohnEDow-jo2inBokkeit used to be massive in South Africa, but uhm the proteas lately...

[@JohnEDow-jo2inBokke]

@@danielcillie1856 yeah I agree.

[@chrisainge4192]

In cricket surely India vs Pakistan must be one of the biggest?

[@JohnEDow-jo2inBokke]

@@chrisainge4192 yes that's more of a political rivalry. South Africa has the most wins against any side without a world cup win. Australia is a close second in stats but has 6 World Cup wins......besides AUS and South Africa were the best at it for years . Pakistan was not always a consistent side where India would win many a game on the trot between those 2. For the purists AUS vs S.A was always seen as the best ODI match to look forward too

[@gavinkh6658]

Respect for the AB's.... Hate to admit it but they are the greater team... except for world cups. So question is what defines a great time? Win rate or world cups?

[@Jay-xc8zw]

Dude, your rugby acumen is excellent. SA does have the chance to be the greatest, and i agree they not there yet.I hope they get there

[@x-latetv-x6816]

4 world cups not enough

[@GreetTheSacredCow]

First cricket rivalry that sprung to mind was England vs. Australia based on the prestige of the Ashes series. And you already covered Argentina vs. Brazil in football, Yankees vs. Red Sox in baseball. Nice one EC!

[@savagej2]

For Ireland. I'll just deal with 6 Nations as the rivalries with SA and NZ are very new. The team we want to beat the most: England The team we fear losing to most: Wales

[@Jesus_is_Lord_316]

😂😂😂 Boks vs All Blacks “very new”. Go back to sleep. 💤

[@asandilezothe9746]

I think he means Ireland V SA and Ireland V All Black's is a new rivalry, respectively, for Ireland!!! ​@@Jesus_is_Lord_316

[@karasucrowley]

He means that Ireland's rivalries with the 2 Southern Hemisphere nations are new.​@@Jesus_is_Lord_316

[@HerbalTee69]

It’s the oldest rivalry of them all 😂

[@savagej2]

​@HerbalTee69 I was referring to my country Ireland but to reply to this comment I believe England v Scotland is the oldest rivalry in rugby and football

[@joeritchie2]

Tim, I LOVED this post, since this is one of my favorite topics. And as someone who has been to two great SA-NZ rivalry matches (2018 in Wellington and at the 2019 World Cup, the pool stage opener), I agree it’s one of the best. And before I heard most of your post I was compiling my own list, and to your credit (hats off, brother sports fanatic!), you hit the three U.S. pro sports rivalries that were at the top of my list: Lakers-Celtics, Yankees-Red Sox, Bears-Packers (I’m a Chicagoan and longtime Bears gang and hate the other 5 teams, though the Lakers I can tolerate a bit).;But in American football, there is actually a bigger rivalry: My Ohio State Buckeyes (I’m a 2x alum) versus Michigan, or, simply, The Game, a fierce rivalry between two powerhouse teams that dates back to 1896, 120 matches. I also would cite a cool small college rivalry involving my other alma mater, Calvin University. Look up the Hope-Calvin basketball rivalry. The men have played each other 212 times; Hope leads 110 games to 102, and only 43 points separate the two after all those games, and the two teams have won numerous conference titles and several national small college championships. Let me move away from U.S. sports: You mentioned a few others on my list, like Real-Barça and the great English derbies, though you didn’t mention your hometown derby between United and City, which is a pretty good one. International club football has a bunch of others, like Inter-AC Milan, Zamalek-Al Ahly in Egypt and Orlando Pirates-Kaizer Chiefs in South Africa. You rightly mentioned India-Pakistan in cricket, but I was surprised you said nothing, as an Englishman, about the Ashes rivalry between England and Australia in Test cricket…..could that be because the Aussies have recently had England’s number? But even this American understands what a huge rivalry that is! And speaking of Australia, my friends Down Under have three (or more) pretty awesome rivalries, I’m told, in the AFL: the Sydney derby (Swans vs. Giants), Geelong Cats vs. Hawthorn Hawks and Carlton-Collingwood. I understand there’s a pretty good State of Origin rivalry, too, but as I really couldn’t care less about league, I don’t know anything about that. Personally, I would say the five best rivalries in world sports are: OSU-Michigan, Real-Barça, South Africa-All Blacks, Lakers-Celtics and, though it’s faded in recent years, Montreal Canadiens vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (or Detroit Red Wings, depending on the era, but I’d lean toward the all-Canada rivalry; it was intense in the ‘50s, ‘60s and into the ‘70s) in the NHL.

[@joeritchie2]

I should have mentioned that my oldest son loves Rangers for some odd reason and would be disappointed if in that long discourse I failed to mention, as Tim did, the Auld Firm between his faves and Celtic.

[@joeritchie2]

I’ll also say I believe we’re about to witness the growth of some great rivalries in women’s team sports, too, since women’s sports in general are experiencing astronomical growth. One that I already really like is USA women vs Canada in ice hockey. 🏒

[@cattywampuswiddershins]

Super hyped for this weekend. Second time I'm attending a Springboks game, and I can't think of a greater match and location to attend.

[@seano4214]

Great rivalry and we love to beat each other but in the end I agree, we need each other. I think the reason we all support anyone against England is the media that builds you up as the best every game especially if you win a few games against anyone. England are looking good but Jones leaving.... Come on BOKKE

[@EggchasersRugby]

I think the Empire Great Britain built (an Empire which spread rugby to the World ironically enough) is a big part of the reason also.

[@myshepspud1]

@Eggchasers Rugby Yeah I think in South Africa it's changed but when I first came into watching rugby at like 12 (2002) England were one of the best and beating them was hard. But also as rugby is especially loved by the Afrikaans (introduced by the British ironically) I'd get alot of their vibe when watching rugby I got the feeling it was still hangover from the 2nd Boer war the concentration camps. 🙈. I know that was ages ago but sort of changed into a sporting dislike. I find it funny I wanted at a time anyone to beat the "English" and I'm "English South African". I Cornwall roots "Pascoe" was my grandfather's name. And Scottish both sides of the family. We just don't have much connection to the motherland because we came to SA in the 1800s.. My great great grandfather was a Rear Admiral in the British Navy. And my dad who's surname I carry is basically English South African but has the surname Delvaux. From my great grandfather who actually came from Belgium so we can trace that. :).

[@gavinsmith28]

Tim, sadly as much as I like you, as a Saffer, I do support 1) Springboks 2) anyone playing England and 3) depends on my mood on the day 😂

[@penskyfile5290]

Showing my age here but as a kid I used to watch the ABs tour SA when there 5 tests and a long itinerary. The boks used to kick our butts but we used the experience to get better and soon we were winning. Will forever be in debted to the mighty Boks as they inspired the birth of the mighty ABs.

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

Maybe Oxford vs Cambridge has a longer history, but this one has more blood sweat and tears.

[@tiaanbezuidenhout8131]

Oxford vs Cambridge is poor quality. Any team in the Varsity shield would whip them

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

@@tiaanbezuidenhout8131Oxford vs Cambridge - boat race which started in 1829.

[@tiaanbezuidenhout8131]

@@kobusvanrensburg4092 Lol who cares about that

[@Alex-mj5dv]

Scotland vs England is the oldest rugby test fixture I believe, 1871. So much geopolitical history intertwined with that match also, and imperially with Ireland, SA, NZ and Aus too. It’s the target on the big brother’s back. Scotland would lose all the other matches in a calendar year just to beat England in the six nations at Twickenham (as they have recently.. they’ve nosedived after doing that).

[@kobusvanrensburg4092]

@@tiaanbezuidenhout8131 nobody, but as far as rivalries go it's about as old as it gets.

[@PhillipDawson10]

It is good to support a sport where we can beat the hell out of each other on the field, respect the other team and their supporters, even if they beat us, and have a couple of beers after the game, without it turning into a brawl. Thanks Tim, and we do not all hate England, I support England in all sport if they play Australia

[@myburgher]

This rivalry checks all the boxes: 1) Both teams are still top in their division and pretty much have been their entire tenure. Lots of other rivalries just aren’t as good anymore because one (or both) teams aren’t that good. 2) The rivalry has transcended the field and both sides have put the matches above politics (even controversially). Some rivalries are great on the field but seem to stop there, and it feels like if the league/rules changes then those rivalries would fizzle out. 3) No team is truly dominant, and each can claim one thing that they hold over the other (as you mentioned). SA has more World Cups but NZ have better records pretty much everywhere outside of the WC. Each game could be won by either team. 4) The traditional styles are so different and the game is almost a showcase for the two dominant styles of the day and age: the forward-focussed and back-focussed approach. The games are simultaneously trying to impose your own style on the opposition while also trying to nullify their style. Two stylistically different but successful teams adds a dynamic that helps the sport.

[@suasagala8025]

It's hard to think of it as your typical rivalry as there's so much respect between the two. I think it's definitely the pinnacle of the sport though.

[@DrivingSA-ot8ds]

In South Africa the biggest rivalry is probably between football clubs Orlando Pirates (Bucs) and Kaiser Chiefs (AmaKhosi). The Soweto Derby draws upwards of 80k spectators, for a club game, and both teams have massive support throughout SA

[@mr.blackzonrackz7055]

Up the Bucs ☠️

[@nepiahemopo1702]

Im in my 60s Springboks and Mohamed Ali remain memorable growing up in New Zealand,

[@siix477]

Unfinished business for Sam Cane. I like to see him start and named as captain for the first test.

[@timmado8441]

Not captain, but would like to see him out there, just let him play with the chains off

[@oldblack15]

​@@timmado8441no need for captaincy. 100 percent start.

[@martjollands4200]

Would be good to see him finish the game, too........😂😮

[@craigwebber2270]

As a South African I don’t mind loosing to the AB. But I LOVE winning against them

[@ericgorven3033]

Love all the sport rivalries. Yes - All Blacks / Springboks are in the top 10 rivalries for sure. Looking forward to your team selection predictions .....

[@YOYOTh1s]

Id say NZ v Aus is huge because of Bledisloe. But Bokke v All Blacks is ingrained for South Africans at least, for me it is the highlight of my rugby calendar. I can't wait for Ellis Park! Hope we see you there Tim! But I do like beating England too!

[@johanschoeman869]

I grew up as a young child in the mid 60's and I have fond memories of waking up in the early hours of the morning and sitting with my grandmother in the kitchen next to a coal fire listening to a Short Wave radio broadcasting a test match between the Springboks and the All Blacks. Even the old folk were passionate about rugby and they, even back then had the passion for this rivalry as well as huge respect for the All Blacks. This is one of my fondest memories as a child and and why I love Springbok rugby so much. Top of my bucket list: To attend a test in New Zealand in 2025.

[@stephenconeglan1173]

Do it! You'll get plenty of offers of free accommodation. There's also a ton of saffas living in Auckland these days. I went to the Mt. Smart test last year, nervous as hell as I knew that this is a very strong Bok team. Mate, I thought I was at an away test! There were as many Bok fans as our own fans, and they were way noisier in barracking for their team.

[@warrenlang-gordon3731]

The Official Springbok KZbin channel agrees with you, Tim! They have just used your "Intro" on their Sports biggest rivalries!! You're spot on Mate!

[@Brucemcleod2345]

Go ABs. I have always had a respect for South Africa - be brutal In competition but gracious in losing . My Dad always wanted to beat South Africa and so do I. Something we haven’t been used to is losing to Ireland and now Argentina. What is concerning me about our current ABs is our lack of height. Those SAFFAs grow big and we don’t have any loose forwards over 2 metres. Our line-outs aren’t functioning but I still feel that we can do it and beat those boks. Hold the boerewors

[@asrmartins9736]

This is just great content, Tim. Thanks. You are the best!

[@Mary-AnnNorval]

Cape Town's winter weather is very similar to New Zealand's winter...cold and very wet. This favours NZ

[@SB-wh9kf]

Spring in Cape Town therefore chances of rain and strong winds a bit smaller.

[@bigshadeks]

I would offer that in the US, the biggest rivalries are in college football, and in some states, even high school foorball. In particular, Florida, Texas, California, Ohio, etc. It's crazy good stuff!

[@GraemeFisher]

Hi Tim, just wanted to say a huge thank you to you for an excellent commentary on rugby, our beautiful game. Your findings on and around South Africa's rugby culture is very interesting/enlightening. Rugby aside, enjoy Cape Town - best city in the world in my book, so much to see and enjoy. (A Bok fan living in Oz.)

[@hectorvere5072]

Looking forward to having you in Jozi

[@user-jh8uh3ki3i]

as south african our biggest rival AB IN RUGBYHISTORY THE BEST BY A COUNTRY MILE AB has best win% THAT MAKES WORLDCUP wins SUPER SWEET

[@markrutherford6010]

The black jersey is special.But green and gold jersey is special too. Together they are exceptional.

[@graemehuia5964]

Back in the day when I was going to school Maori v Pakeha was always a great rivalry.

[@Blackredyellow92]

Cannot wait!! 3am wake ups in New Zealand for games in the republic are a special feeling 🖤 🤍 🇳🇿

[@HannesLuttig]

It's been the ultimate test as far as I can remember.Remember waking up as a 7 year old in '81 to watch these teams. Epic.

[@kurthold5393]

Nothing worse than seeing a Saffa in a NZ jersey.

[@HerbalTee69]

😂

[@ho6277]

Nothing worse than dealing with the racism that cause them to do it

[@johannmalan2994]

My blood is green, but in another life black.

[@jamescooper-hope6930]

Attended the 2nd AB v SA test at Athletic Park in '94. Great times were had with our SA fam in the Steinlager Tent that day. ..🍻

[@tonylewis2713]

SA vs NZ the greatest rivalry in the world without a doubt

[@bryanantolik9900]

You are in for an experience on Saturday Tim, coming for the rugby noir experience at Ellis Park in central Joburg. Will look out for you. Boks vs ABs definitely top 5 sporting rivalries.

[@jerrybuirski2344]

Save travels Tim. Hope you have an awesome time in the Republic.

[@rushdimagiet9172]

Hi Tim, the Cape Crusaders are still a thriving population here in CT. Lots of my friends support the All Blacks (I'm 22) and there are many younger supporters as well. The Dads and Granddads are doing a good job of upholding the AB support here in the Cape.

[@stevelennon869]

State of Origin QLD vs NSW is the pinnacle of rugby league, I also think that the NRL offers great insight into the future of Rugby Union.

[@teuilagracetualaulelei1609]

Am looking forward to the Boks schooling this new lot of ABs on what a champion team looks & plays like - huge respect for SA's Coach & captain.

[@lucasvanwyk1]

When you come to Ellis Park this weekend for the Springboks vs All Blacks…..you will KNOW that this is the biggest rivalry in rugby and even sports. Going to be insane. The atmosphere at Loftus and Kingspark vs Ireland will have nothing on this occasion. 🎉

[@cpk001]

Love your videos. Your honesty and passion for the game makes it enjoyable to watch. I look forward to each video you publish. Keep up the good work .

[@user-du8em2xq5c]

Tim, do you agree, these 2-game mini series format brings an interesting challenge to teams: It appears that unless the winning team of game 1 is very innovative and do things significantly different in game 2, they are unlikely to win the second game? Game analysis is that good these days, it appears. Games of muscle AND MINDS!

[@Edgycoo]

Respect boks. Lets do this.

[@WORS06]

It's the tests everyone wants to see, even your family and friends that don't watch rugby goes and watch these matches, it just got another feeling to it, all the history behind it. Nothing top's the two best rugby nations going at it imo.

[@MarcWithersea]

As a South African, with no disrespect to anyone else, NZ has always been the one, for all 51 years of my watching rugby. Huge respect between us. Maybe only matched in importance with the B&I Lions, but that's not so much a rivalry cos it happens so seldom.

[@lts1682]

RSA here. I would be careful to say our Springboks could be the greatest team ever. It would be nice. But the Kiwi's have always always been a great team and one that have always been able to upset the status quo. It's going to be tight as always. But then Hulle weet nie wat ons weet nie.

[@Greenbok007]

Tim - just a note in you saying it really kicked off from 1995 onwards: The rivalry certainly stemmed from way before then, we grew up on stories our grandparents told of huddling round the radio sets, listening to the live tour games from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s. I mean, my grandfather and my great-grandfather, both had heart attacks in the stands watching Border play NZ in the 1949 tour (they played twice in that tour) - my mom’s dad only survived because a doctor was in the seat behind him. So yes, fair to say I was a tad nervous watching the 2023 Final!

[@bingleification]

Great insights Tim, thoroughly enjoy your comments

[@jesseferguson4269]

Two very contrasting countries which are closely united by the unique rivalry we have on the rugby field. We hate losing to each other but if we are to lose, its bearable when it is against that other.

[@Rain-fc9tu]

Beating the ABs is not easy which makes it extra special. Beating Eng is just more fun! Much respect 💚💛🖤🤍

[@muhammad3351]

As a Bokke supporter, what makes this rivalry more special now is the fact that going forward, the AB players won't be household names. The RC matches will be their one opportunity to announce themself on the big stage, outside of the RWC. During the SR era, growing up, I knew a significant number of NZ & Aus players. Now, I only know the experienced guys

[@Jean-PierreBotha-qf9gu]

Awesome video NZ our greatest rivals and greatest friends love from ZA