This past weekend was the clash of the titans as two of World Rugby’s greatest rivals, the Springboks and All Blacks, went head-to-head in a match that would forever be remembered.
In the match titled ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’, the South Africans travelled to Auckland where the New Zealanders risked their 50 match Eden Park Stadium unbeaten streak to overcome their opponents in what was described as the most nail-biting match of the year. On the night, it was the men in Green and Gold who suffered a defeat after trailing by 24 – 17.
Meanwhile, the on-field action was not the only thing that kept fans entertained.
Prior to kick off, the Auckland Pasifika Students Choir stunned South African fans when they performed their rendition of the South African National Anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika.
Taking to Instagram, the group shared how special the moment was to them.
“For our Music Director, Nainz, it has always been an honour to arrange the anthems we’ve performed, but being given the chance to arrange the South African anthem, his favourite, is truly a dream come true.”
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Meanwhile, Bok supporters and New Zealanders alike shared their thoughts on the impressive rendition that possessed both synchronized harmony, as well as a perfect pronunciation of words.
“You’re always amazing, but this is something else. Never thought the South African national anthem would give me the chills. Josiah, incredible,” one person wrote.
Another added, “That is the best I’ve ever heard the South African national anthem sang by non-South Africans, the vocal inflections are exactly how South Africans would sing it. Perfect, think I’m crying”.
New Zealand choir (unsurprisingly) singing the vernac part of the national anthem better than white people from here. Lol, then they all shout from the top of their lungs when it gets to the Afrikaans part…
— D. (@desmond_sunj) September 6, 2025
You will never find a national anthem like that in Europe. Well done New Zealand. Kind of felt like it was sang by the amazing Stellenbosch University Choir. 🔥🔥🔥
— Syler (@sylerSA) September 6, 2025
Despite the heavy defeat against their foe, coach Rassie Erasmus has since announced his team to face the opposition early on Monday morning. The team sees significant changes in crucial positions with fly-half Handre Pollard, Willie Le Roux, Eben Etzebeth, Damian De Allende, and Jesse Kriel all dropped to make way for a more youthful line-up.
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Also see: All Blacks throw shade at Springboks in new TV advert
