South africa vs new zealand rugby
A great rivalry in international rugby! South Africa and New Zealand have a long and storied history of competition on the rugby pitch. Here are some key facts and stats about their matches:
Head-to-Head Record:
As of 2022, the all-time head-to-head record between South Africa and New Zealand stands at:
- South Africa: 34 wins
- New Zealand: 47 wins
- Draws: 6
Recent Results:
The two teams have played each other 21 times since 1992, with New Zealand dominating the series in recent years. Here are the results from the last 5 matches:
- 2019: New Zealand won 23-12 (Rugby World Cup semi-final)
- 2018: New Zealand won 34-36 (The Rugby Championship)
- 2017: New Zealand won 25-24 (The Rugby Championship)
- 2016: New Zealand won 41-13 (The Rugby Championship)
- 2015: South Africa won 20-18 (The Rugby Championship)
Notable Matches:
- 1995: South Africa won 15-12 in the inaugural Rugby World Cup, with Joel Stransky kicking the winning penalty in the final minutes.
- 2003: New Zealand won 52-16 in a match that saw the All Blacks score 7 tries.
- 2011: South Africa won 18-5 in a tight and physical encounter.
Key Players:
Some notable players who have played in this rivalry include:
- South Africa: Francois Pienaar, Joost van der Westhuizen, Os du Randt, Bryan Habana, Jean de Villiers, Eben Etzebeth, Faf de Klerk
- New Zealand: Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Beauden Barrett, Brodie Retallick
Rivalry Factors:
The rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand is fueled by several factors, including:
- Geographical proximity: The two countries are close neighbors, which adds to the intensity of the rivalry.
- Historical significance: The two teams have a long history of competition, dating back to the early days of rugby.
- Cultural differences: The two teams have distinct cultural identities, with South Africa's Springboks representing the country's complex history and New Zealand's All Blacks embodying the country's Maori and European heritage.
- Competition for dominance: Both teams have a strong desire to be the best in the world, which adds to the intensity of their matches.
Overall, the rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand is one of the most intense and storied in international rugby, with both teams pushing each other to be their best on the pitch.