The day the ABs won their first series in SA

The 100th Test between the two fierce rugby nations of South Africa and New Zealand is edging closer.  

The rivalry was forged way back in August 1921, when the All Blacks defeated the Boks 13-5 in Dunedin but was the start of something special as the two great powers continued to rise and battle it out for the reputation as the best in the world. 

Today we revisit a memorable clash with some noteworthy historical significance as it marked the first time that the All Blacks won a series on South African soil.  

Boasting names such as Zinzan Brooke, Justin Marshall, Sean Fitzpatrick, Christain Cullen and Jeff Wilson, to name a few, the All Blacks were still up against it; facing the World Champion Springboks in front of a packed Loftus Versveld with the thin, dry air of the Highveld in their lungs – to many All Blacks, the ultimate challenge. 

As expected, it was a match which lived up to the rivalry with a blistering battle up front and while the backlines piled the pressure on one another.  

The end to a nail-biting finish will be remembered for the image of Sean Fitzpatrick thumping the turf with his fist as the magnitude of the All Blacks’ achievement filtered through their ranks.