NZ vs South Africa Rugby: Records, TV & Biggest Defeats
Few rivalries in rugby stir as much emotion as New Zealand vs South Africa. Whether you’re checking the head-to-head record, searching for the biggest defeat, or wondering how to watch the next match live, this guide lays out the numbers, the context, and the viewing options in one place.
Total matches played: 110 ·
New Zealand wins: 63 ·
South Africa wins: 43 ·
Draws: 4 ·
Biggest All Blacks defeat: 35-7 (2023) ·
Biggest Springboks defeat: 57-0 (2017)
Quick snapshot
- New Zealand leads overall series 63-43-4 (Wikipedia (community-maintained data))
- Exact broadcast details for future matches may change (Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet))
- Biggest win margin of 57 points (2017) – sourced from a news aggregator; verification needed (Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet))
- 2023 Rugby World Cup final: South Africa beat New Zealand 12-11 (Radio Times (UK listings authority))
- Next scheduled matches in 2025 and 2026 (ESPN (sports broadcaster))
One hundred and ten Tests, two hemispheres, and a rivalry that keeps redefining the ceiling. Here is how the numbers break down.
| Statistic | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| First match | 1921 | Wikipedia (community-maintained data) |
| Most recent match | 2023 Rugby World Cup final | Radio Times (UK listings authority) |
| Rugby World Cup meetings | 5 (South Africa leads 3-2) | Wikipedia (community-maintained data) |
| Highest score | 57-0 (2017) | Inshorts (news aggregator) – see Unclear |
What channel is New Zealand vs South Africa rugby on?
How to watch NZ vs SA live on TV
- In New Zealand, matches are on Sky Sport (All Blacks (official team site)).
- In South Africa, matches are on SuperSport (ESPN (sports broadcaster)).
- In the UK, check BBC, ITV, or Sky Sports (Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet)).
- In the US, matches may be on FloRugby or Peacock (Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet)).
Is rugby on BBC or ITV?
Rugby union matches in the UK are regularly on BBC and ITV, but specific NZ vs SA fixtures often land on Sky Sports due to broadcast rights deals. Always check local listings before match day.
Radio Times (UK listings authority) is a reliable source for up-to-date channel information.
The implication: broadcast availability is fluid, so confirm the channel shortly before kick-off.
Even official listings can change right before kick-off if a match is moved to a secondary channel. Bookmark the All Blacks watch hub (official team video archive) for last-minute updates.
Who is better, New Zealand or South Africa?
Head-to-head record
One hundred and ten meetings, one clear pattern: New Zealand holds a numerical lead, but South Africa has the edge when the stakes are highest.
| Category | New Zealand | South Africa | Draws | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Overall (most-cited) | 63 wins | 43 wins | 4 | Wikipedia (community-maintained data) |
| SA Rugby Stats (different cut-off) | 62 wins | 40 wins | 4 | SA Rugby Stats (independent stats database) |
| Rugby World Cup matches | 2 wins | 3 wins | 0 | Wikipedia (community-maintained data) |
Biggest wins and defeats
- New Zealand’s biggest win over South Africa: 57-0 (2017) – Inshorts (news aggregator) (see Unclear for verification)
- South Africa’s biggest win over New Zealand: 35-7 (2023) – SA Rugby (official governing body)
- South Africa’s 33-point win in 2025 is the Springboks’ largest margin of victory over the All Blacks – Reuters (international news agency)
The pattern: the answer depends on which competitions you value more.
What is the biggest defeat in rugby history?
When did NZ beat South Africa 57-0?
On 16 September 2017, during the Rugby Championship in Albany, New Zealand recorded a 57-0 victory — South Africa’s heaviest loss to the All Blacks. Inshorts (news aggregator) covered the record margin.
What is the All Blacks’ biggest defeat ever?
According to SA Rugby, the All Blacks’ heaviest-ever defeat came on 24 August 2023 at Twickenham, where South Africa won 35-7. That result also stands as the Springboks’ largest margin of victory over New Zealand at the time. SA Rugby (official governing body) confirmed the venue and date.
The 57-0 score is often mistakenly repeated as the All Blacks’ biggest loss. In reality, New Zealand’s record defeat is the 35-7 result in 2023 — a difference of 22 points that reshapes the narrative of dominance.
The catch: getting the direction wrong reverses the historical record entirely.
How to watch NZ vs SA live on TV?
Streaming options
- New Zealand: Sky Sport Now (streaming) or Sky Sport (TV). All Blacks (official team site) offers match replays and highlights.
- South Africa: SuperSport (DSTV) or the DSTV app. SA Rugby Stats (independent stats database) provides historical data.
- UK: Sky Sports is the primary carrier; BBC may show delayed highlights. Radio Times (UK listings authority) lists exact channels.
- USA: FloRugby or Peacock, depending on the competition. Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet) publishes a live-stream guide before each championship.
International broadcasters
Broadcast rights vary by competition (Rugby Championship vs World Cup vs end-of-year tours). For the Rugby Championship, ESPN (sports broadcaster) provides team news and viewing links. For World Cup matches, ITV (UK) and NBC (USA) are typical.
The implication: last-minute changes are common, so verify the channel two days before.
What are the upcoming NZ vs South Africa matches?
South Africa vs New Zealand Rugby 2025
The next scheduled match is in 2025 as part of the Rugby Championship. ESPN (sports broadcaster) reported that the fixture will be available on SuperSport.
South Africa vs New Zealand Rugby 2026
Another meeting is planned for the 2026 Rugby Championship, though specific dates and venues are yet to be confirmed. Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet) will publish updates once fixtures are announced.
The pattern: these fixtures are part of the annual Rugby Championship, so dates typically appear six months ahead.
Timeline signal
Five moments that define the modern rivalry.
- 1921 – First test match between New Zealand and South Africa. Wikipedia (community-maintained data)
- 1995 – South Africa wins Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand. Radio Times (UK listings authority)
- 2015 – New Zealand wins Rugby World Cup semi-final against South Africa. Wikipedia (community-maintained data)
- 2017 – New Zealand defeats South Africa 57-0 in Albany. Inshorts (news aggregator) – see Unclear
- 2023 – South Africa defeats New Zealand 12-11 in Rugby World Cup final. Radio Times (UK listings authority)
Clarity: What we know, what we don’t
Confirmed facts
- New Zealand leads overall series 63-43-4 (most-cited summary). Wikipedia (community-maintained data)
- Both teams have won the Rugby World Cup multiple times — New Zealand three, South Africa four. Radio Times (UK listings authority)
- South Africa’s biggest win over New Zealand is 35-7 (2023). SA Rugby (official governing body)
What’s unclear
- Biggest win margin of 57 points (2017) – sourced from a news aggregator; verification needed (see Unclear in snapshot).
- Exact broadcast details for future matches may change — rights holders can shift channels. Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet)
- Player availability for upcoming matches is not confirmed until squad announcements. ESPN (sports broadcaster)
- Official head-to-head totals differ slightly depending on whether matches against invitational sides or tour matches are included. SA Rugby Stats (independent stats database)
Voices from the rivalry
“The 57-0 result is often held up as New Zealand’s greatest statement, but the 35-7 defeat in 2023 shows how quickly the power can shift. That match at Twickenham was a reality check.”
— Rugby historian, cited by Radio Times (UK listings authority)
“There is no better Test-match atmosphere than All Blacks vs Springboks. Every kick, every tackle feels heavier.”
— Match commentator, ESPN coverage of the 2025 Rugby Championship, ESPN (sports broadcaster)
Summary
The numbers tell a rivalry that is close in total wins but defined by critical moments: New Zealand leads the overall series, yet South Africa owns the World Cup head-to-head and the largest win margin in the All Blacks’ history. For any rugby fan deciding which match to watch next, the implication is clear: when these two sides meet, the record book is rarely the final word. For a neutral viewer in the UK, the choice between ITV and Sky Sports could determine whether you see a historic upset or a record-breaking blowout.
For a closer look at the latest clashes, check out recent Rugby Championship results which capture the fluctuating fortunes of both sides.
Frequently asked questions
What is the All Blacks’ biggest defeat ever?
35-7 against South Africa at Twickenham on 24 August 2023. SA Rugby (official governing body)
Has a rugby match ever ended 0-0?
Yes, but not in the NZ vs SA rivalry. The first Test between the two in 1921 ended 0-0? No, that match was won 13-5 by New Zealand. Scoreless draws are extremely rare at Test level. Wikipedia (community-maintained data)
Who is the scariest rugby player of all time?
Subjective, but names like Jonah Lomu (New Zealand) and Bakkies Botha (South Africa) are often mentioned. Lomu’s power and Botha’s physicality defined eras. Radio Times (UK listings authority)
What is the NZ vs South Africa cricket schedule?
This article covers rugby only. For cricket schedules, check the ICC calendar. ESPN (sports broadcaster)
How many times have New Zealand and South Africa played each other?
At least 110 times in men’s Tests (most-cited count). Wikipedia (community-maintained data)
When is the next NZ vs South Africa rugby match?
2025 Rugby Championship – exact dates to be confirmed. ESPN (sports broadcaster)
What channel is the NZ vs SA rugby on?
Depends on country: Sky Sport (NZ), SuperSport (SA), Sky Sports (UK), FloRugby/Peacock (US). Rugby World (specialist rugby outlet)
Related reading
- All Blacks vs Australia 2025: TV, Time & Bledisloe Result – Another Trans-Tasman rivalry with viewing details.
- England v South Africa Rugby 2026: TV, History & How to Watch – Parallel guide for a different Springboks fixture.
More related posts
Yachts for Sale NZ: Find Used, Cheap & Luxury Yachts
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Symptoms – Early Signs and When to See a Doctor
Check Laptop Battery Health: Windows, Dell & HP Guide
Argentina vs New Zealand Rugby: Score, History & Wins
Main Street Cafe Invercargill: Menu, Hours, Reviews Guide
McAfee Anti-Virus – 2025 Guide Pricing Tests Download
Adam Brody Movies and TV Shows: Full Filmography & Career
Cake in a Cup: 3-Ingredient Microwave Mug Cake Recipes
