Bakkies Botha reflects on the intense rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks, highlighting New Zealand’s ability to exploit South Africa’s rare errors, as the All Blacks prepare for a historic tour of South Africa and a global clash in Baltimore. Picture: Michael Sherman/IOL
While Bakkies Botha is an undeniable legend of Springbok rugby, there is no disputing that the eras he played in often struggled for results against the All Blacks. More often than not, New Zealand's clinical finishing proved to be the ultimate difference.
“They were always up for those one or two soft moments the Springboks would give them,” Botha said.
Botha was speaking at FNB Stadium on Tuesday, where Castle Double Malt was officially announced as the title partner for ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’—the commercial banner for the historic clashes between the Springboks and the All Blacks.
During his storied 85-Test career as the Springboks' brutal enforcer in the second row, Botha tasted victory against New Zealand just five times. The Springboks at the moment have won four of their last five clashes against the All Blacks dating back to the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.
