Ultimate Test to decide ultimate rivalry

EDEN Park in Auckland is the centre of the rugby universe this morning as the Springboks and the All Blacks square up in the most eagerly-awaited rugby match since these teams contested the World Cup final in Paris in 2023.

- MICHAEL SHERMAN and MIKE GREENAWAY

Kickoff is at 9.05am.

The New Zealanders have usurped the Springboks’ No 1 position in the world rankings but have not beaten the Boks in the last four matches between the fierce rivals.

The last time the Boks beat the All Blacks four matches in a row was back in 1949. On the subject of ancient history, the last time the South Africans beat the Kiwis on their revered Eden Park turf was in 1937.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, are still smarting from their 12-11 loss to Rassie Erasmus’ team in that 2023 final, and there will be a whiff of retribution swirling around Eden Park as the teams do epic battle.