New Zealand play their final midweek tour fixture in South Africa with confidence high after a statement first Test success over the Springboks in Johannesburg.
The All Blacks return to Ellis Park to take on the Lions a few days on from an excellent 33-16 win at the venue that allowed them to go 1-0 up in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’s series. With three more tough battles with the world champions to come, this game will be a chance for some of those on the fringes to retain their sharpness and push for places, with Dave Rennie likely to need plenty of strength in depth as the back-to-back encounters continue.
Cape Town and the second Test await but the Lions could prove tricky opposition. The United Rugby Championship side are bolstered by a couple of members of the South Africa squad that have been released to feature here, and will hope to provide a stern test for the tourists.
Follow all of the latest from the clash at Ellis Park with our live blog below:
New Zealand stun South Africa to make statement start to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
It was some start to the series for the All Blacks as they stunned the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday. A battling defensive performance and second-half surge unsettled South Africa in a way we rarely see.
All Blacks stun Springboks to make statement start to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
South Africa 16-33 New Zealand: The All Blacks’ bench made a mighty impact as they went 1-0 up in the new seriesHarry Latham-Coyle25 August 2026 16:05
Lions vs New Zealand LIVE
With confidence high after a statement success over the Springboks, New Zealand face one last midweek fixture on their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour as they return to Ellis Park. The Lions are the All Blacks’ opposition tonight – can they spring a shock to end the unbeaten trip?
Kick off is at 6pm BST.
Harry Latham-Coyle25 August 2026 15:05