Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan are relishing the prospect of touring South Africa with the All Blacks next year. SIMON BORCHARDT reports.
New Zealand’s 2026 tour of South Africa – dubbed “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” – will feature eight matches: four against local franchises and a four-Test series, three of them on South African soil.
It will be New Zealand’s first full tour to South Africa since 1996 when Sean Fitzpatrick’s side made history by winning the Test series 2-1.
READ: Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour fixtures announced
For both Barrett and Jordan, their earliest rugby memories involve getting up early to watch the All Blacks take on the Springboks in South Africa.
“Mum used to wake us at 3am just before the haka when I was about six – hot Milo, on the couch, All Blacks versus Springboks. Those are the earliest memories,” said Barrett.
“My earliest memories are getting up in the dark with Dad to watch the All Blacks – those early-morning Tests against the Boks,” Jordan added. “The era I remember is Bryan Habana through to Fourie du Preez, up against Richie McCaw and Dan Carter. Great times as a kid, getting up with the family to watch.”
ALSO: Rassie backs revival of All Blacks tours
Barrett added that the 1996 tour still looms large in All Blacks folklore.
“We look back at it a lot when we talk legends of our game. I was five then, but those are legends – Fitzy leading, Zinzan Brooke and others. I’m sure Razor [coach Scott Robertson] will draw on that series next year.”
Both players believe the seven-week trip will recapture the spirit of the old-school tours that defined the rivalry.
“I was chatting to [former All Blacks wing] Sir John Kirwan – he played 63 Tests but 96 games [in total], and those extra midweek matches were against provincial sides,” said Barrett. “He said they were as tough as Tests. They’d rise to the occasion and throw everything at the All Blacks. That’s the challenge ahead: the Boks at home, and huge pride in their provincial teams.”
MORE: Jesse, Ox ready for All Blacks invasion
Jordan said it would be something completely new for this generation of All Blacks.
“The midweek games, the tournament feel, bigger squads. I’ve missed playing South African teams in Super Rugby, so getting a few of those fixtures back is exciting. A longer tour also lets us experience more off the field.”
For both players, Ellis Park stands out as rugby’s ultimate cauldron.
“The drive to Ellis Park sends shivers down your spine – the music, the flares, the noise – then you’ve got the intensity of the Boks. It’s about managing emotions to the haka and first whistle, then just playing rugby,” said Barrett.
“Ellis Park is iconic,” said Jordan. “I’ve been lucky to play there a couple of times – the atmosphere is special. I enjoyed Cape Town Stadium last year as well, but Ellis Park is one of the great grounds in rugby.”
RAZOR: SA tour All Blacks’ toughest test
Barrett said the tour would also bring back the camaraderie and cultural experiences that once defined tours to South Africa.
“What I miss about touring South Africa isn’t only the rugby – it’s the experiences. Post-match braais outside the stadium, mixing with fans, the weather that brings people out. We’ve actually got a lot in common with the Boks – we try to beat each other up for 80 minutes, then share a beer.”
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is reignited.
pic.twitter.com/J1WCrV2Bh9
— SA Rugby magazine (@SARugbymag) October 16, 2025
Asked which franchise games they’re most looking forward to, both had specific venues in mind.
“Kings Park against the Sharks – the Hurricanes only won there once when I was playing – or a Stormers game; early in my career, facing Schalk Burger at Newlands was memorable,” said Barrett.
“Outside the Tests, playing the Bulls at Loftus is a bucket-list one for me,” added Jordan. “I grew up watching them a lot during that great run against the Crusaders.”
And while much of the focus will be on the Tests, Barrett expects some Springboks to feature in the franchise games too.
“It would mean a lot to those players, and it’s great experience and game time. I’d be surprised if none are released – guys would be chomping at the bit to play.”
MORE: Sanzaar makes call on Rugby Championship
Jordan said eight games over seven weeks would also be great preparation for the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
“It’s hostile environments, a different style from Super Rugby and a chance to grow tight as a group off the park.”
Photo: Hagen Hopkins/Getty Images
The post ‘Ellis Park sends shivers down your spine’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Beauden Barrett and Will Jordan are relishing the prospect of touring South Africa with the All Blacks next year.
The post ‘Ellis Park sends shivers down your spine’ appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
