NZ, Springboks take ultimate rivalry to grandest stage

For New Zealand and South Africa, there is no bigger challenge than what both consider rugby's greatest rivalry and the World Cup final on Sunday will be among their most significant clashes with each team seeking a record fourth global title.

The rich history of this 102-year-old fixture has seen political turmoil and countless bruising battles.

New Zealand have a sizeable lead in the head-to-head with 62 wins to South Africa's 39 in 105 matches and are the only nation the Springboks have a negative win-loss ratio against.

However, New Zealand's lowest win percentage versus any opponents (59 percent) is against the Springboks.

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi calls it "the biggest sporting rivalry in history" while former New Zealand winger Jeff Wilson believes it is a thread that connects the nations.

Both teams first met in 1921 when South Africa embarked on a tour of Australia and New Zealand.

The All Blacks will take on South Africa at 7am Sunday.

Source: Rugby.com.au