Why the All Blacks have the edge against the Springboks at FNB Stadium

Seen here: South Africa's centre Damian de Allende (L) tackles New Zealand's wing Will Jordan (R) during the second Rugby's Greatest Rivalry international rugby union match between South Africa and New Zealand at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, on August 29, 2026. Picture: GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP

Beware the wounded beast. That adage holds true in nature, but it carries even greater weight when applied to the All Blacks.

After vanquishing the Springboks 33-16 at their Ellis Park fortress, the tourists were brought back down to earth a week later as South Africa claimed a 33-26 victory at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Now, as the iconic rivals prepare to clash again at FNB Stadium on Saturday, I believe it is the tourists who hold the advantage.

That may sound counterintuitive coming off a defeat, but this is no ordinary team. With all due respect to Ireland and France, the All Blacks and the Springboks remain the undisputed pinnacle of world rugby, a fact clearly reflected in the global rankings.