The All Blacks are set to make a long-awaited return to Durban tonight, 11 August 2026, when they face the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Kings Park as part of their historic Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour.
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New Zealand last played at Kings Park in 2016, making tonight’s fixture their first appearance at the Durban venue in 10 years. The return adds another layer of significance to a match that forms part of the All Blacks’ extensive tour of South Africa.
The All Blacks are looking to build momentum after opening their South African tour with a 38–21 victory over the Stormers in Cape Town.
Black. White. Dynamite ⚫⚪🧨
The Hollywoodbets Sharks are taking on the All Blacks of New Zealand for the first time since 1992!
Settle in… Durban’s weather is dreary, but the action will be red-hot 🌧️🔥#SharksRugbyClub #BlackWhiteForever #AllBlacks #RugbysGreatestRivalry… pic.twitter.com/3YPKh5ety9
— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) August 11, 2026
What this means
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie said the Sharks encounter represents an important opportunity to sharpen his side ahead of the much-anticipated Test series against the Springboks.
The All Blacks showed plenty of attacking quality against the Stormers this past weekend, but their scrum and forward play came under pressure. These are some of the areas Rennie will want to improve on in tonight’s match.
Captain Luke Jacobson will lead the All Blacks against the Sharks, with Rennie selecting a team closer to the side he could use during the upcoming Test matches.
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The Sharks team, on the other hand, are preparing for a memorable night in front of their home supporters. Coach JP Pietersen has selected an experienced squad for the occasion, with former All Blacks centre Ma’a Nonu named on the Sharks bench. The 44-year-old New Zealand rugby great will have the unusual experience of lining up against his former national team.
The Sharks will aim to make home advantage count, while New Zealand will be determined to continue developing their game before the intensity of the Test series increases.
With the All Blacks back in Durban after a decade, tonight’s clash promises to be a significant chapter in their South African tour and another showcase of the rich rugby rivalry between the two nations.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry has arrived in Durban! 🇿🇦🇳🇿
Hollywoodbets Kings Park is the battleground as the Hollywoodbets Sharks collide with the All Blacks on Tuesday night 🦈🥝
Be there to witness history unfold 🎟️#SharksRugbyClub #BlackWhiteForever #RugbysGreatestRivalry… pic.twitter.com/kucUCQoBYz
— Sharks Rugby Club (@SharksRugby) August 10, 2026
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