Bulls ready for historic All Blacks clash at Loftus Versfeld

by Chumasande Matiwane

Pretoria is set for a major rugby spectacle on Saturday, 15 August 2026, when the Vodacom Bulls welcome the All Blacks to Loftus Versfeld for a rare clash between one of the country’s leading provincial sides and New Zealand’s national team. 

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The match forms part of the All Blacks’ historic 2026 tour of South Africa and will kick off at 7.10pm on Saturday, with the match being played at the Bulls’ home ground in Pretoria.

This encounter is particularly significant because the All Blacks are undertaking their first full tour of South Africa in 30 years.  

Loftus prepares for a special occasion

Loftus Versfeld has long been regarded as one of the great rugby venues in South Africa, and Saturday’s fixture promises to add another memorable chapter to its history. 

For the Bulls, the occasion offers an opportunity to test themselves against one of the most recognisable teams in world rugby in front of their home supporters. 

The Bulls have named a strong team despite several regular players being away with the Springboks. Marcell Coetzee will captain the side, while experienced Springboks Willie le Roux and Embrose Papier are included in the starting XV.  

New signings Hanro Liebenberg and Thaakir Abrahams are also set to feature, adding further interest to a Bulls side. 

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All Blacks arrive with momentum

New Zealand will enter the match with plenty of confidence following dominant performances in their opening two tour games. 

The All Blacks defeated the Stormers 38–21 in Cape Town before producing an emphatic 54–0 victory over the Sharks in Durban. Against the Sharks, New Zealand scored eight tries without conceding a single point, underlining the strength and depth of their touring squad. 

The Bulls therefore face a formidable challenge, but the match also presents an opportunity for the Pretoria side to measure themselves against a team preparing for the biggest assignment of the tour: four Tests against the Springboks. 

More than just another tour match

The Bulls versus All Blacks encounter is part of a wider celebration of rugby history. The All Blacks’ South African tour is designed to revive the traditional touring concept, with provincial matches building towards the Test series against the Springboks. 

The All Blacks will face the Springboks for the first time in the 2026 series at Ellis Park on 22 August, making Saturday’s encounter an intriguing final examination for New Zealand before the Tests begin. 

But for South African rugby supporters, the immediate focus is firmly on Loftus, Pretoria. 

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