Rugby Championship: Everything at stake when the Springboks clash with the All Blacks

The two Tests between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park on 6 September and Sky Stadium in Wellington could very well determine who will ultimately win the Rugby Championship.

The Springboks are aiming to retain the title for the first time in their history but were stunned in their opening match of the tournament when Australia came back from 0-22 down to claim a famous victory at Ellis Park.

The All Blacks, on the other hand, are historically the most dominant team in the competition with 20 titles to their name - including 10 of the last 12. However, they also did not get off to the best starts in this year's edition after losing in Argentina for the first time.

The unexpected results mean that any one of the four teams is in with a shout of winning the 2025 Rugby Championship and means the side that gets the better of South Africa's two Tests in New Zealand will be in the driving seat for the remainder of the competition.

All Blacks’ unbeaten record at Eden Park

The first game between New Zealand and South Africa at Eden Park also carries extra significance because there is a very real chance the All Black's 50-Test unbeaten run at the stadium could come to an end.

With the form guide thrown out the window and upsets coming thick and fast in the tournament so far this year, the All Blacks will be sweating about the potential of losing at the stadium for the first time since 1994.

Since New Zealand lost to France at Eden Park 21 years ago, they have won 48 Tests and drawn two.

South Africa has won the last four Tests between the two nations, which includes the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, and has never been in a better position to challenge the All Blacks at home.

World No. 1 ranking

When South Africa fell to Australia in Johannesburg, they also surrendered their position as the No. 1-ranked rugby team in the world.

New Zealand beating Argentina that same week meant they took over the top spot, while the Springboks dropped below Ireland to third.

South Africa's subsequent bounce-back win in the second Test against Australia brought them back up to second place and the fact that the All Blacks dropped their second Test against Argentina means the top of the rankings could not be any closer, with just over a point separating the top three sides.

Whoever gets the better of the series on New Zealand will not only put themselves in the driver's seat to win the Rugby Championship but they will also grab the top spot in the World Rugby rankings.

Freedom Cup

Tests between South Africa and New Zealand are part of an annual battle for the Freedom Cup. It has been contested between the two sides since 2004 when it was introduced to celebrate the 10th anniversary of South Africa's democracy.

New Zealand has been historically dominant with a record of 24 wins to 13 losses and one Freedom Cup game ending as a draw, but South Africa has won the past two Freedom Cup fixtures between the two sides.

There have been 19 Freedom Cups since its inauguration, with the Springboks winning it just three times over the years.