The highly anticipated Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series begins today as South Africa and New Zealand meet in the first of four back-to-back Tests. The southern hemisphere heavyweights will collide at Ellis Park, marking the first landmark tour of this kind in 30 years.
Dave Rennie’s All Blacks arrive in South Africa unbeaten, having secured three warm-up victories. However, the intensity is expected to significantly increase as they face the Springboks, who are aiming to reassert themselves as the world's best.
Tension has been building ahead of the series opener, with both head coaches reportedly exchanging remarks about rugby's lawbook this week. The last encounter between these two saw the world champions deliver a record thrashing to New Zealand in Wellington.
Kick-off for this opening Test in Johannesburg is scheduled for 4:10 PM BST.