No Draw Allowed: Springboks and All Blacks to Use Tie-Breakers for "Greatest Rivalry" Series

SA Rugby confirms the Springboks and All Blacks series will use tie-breakers to ensure a winner. Read about the extra-time plans for the 2026 tour.

By: AXL Media

Published: May 2, 2026, 3:58 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from Rugby365

A Departure from Traditional Series Draws

The historic rivalry between South Africa and New Zealand is set for a modern twist this August, as officials move to eliminate the possibility of a stalemated series. Reflecting on the 2017 British and Irish Lions tour of New Zealand—which famously ended in a 1-1 draw with no tie-breaker—SA Rugby’s Yusuf Jackson stated that both the Springboks and All Blacks were adamant about avoiding a similar "kissing your sister" scenario. Jackson confirmed to SA Rugby Magazine that the goal is to crown a clear champion at the conclusion of the final Test in Baltimore.

Exploring "Sudden Death" and Extra-Time

With the schedule too congested to allow for a fifth "decider" match, administrators are currently weighing functional tie-break options. The primary considerations include traditional extra-time or a "sudden death" format during the fourth and final Test. Jackson emphasized that these deliberations are being handled with "player well-being and match integrity" as top priorities. While aggregate scoring has been suggested by some commentators, the current plan focuses on the fourth Test delivering a definitive series result on the day.

Logistics of the Four-Test Tour

The series kicks off on August 22 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, followed by a clash in Cape Town on August 29. The South African leg concludes at FNB Stadium on September 5 before both squads travel to the United States. The fourth Test, scheduled for September 12 at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, will serve as the "grand finale" of the tour. SA Rugby CEO Rian Oberholzer expressed immense excitement about the tour, noting that the physicality and strategy of this century-old rivalry are perfectly suited for an international stage like the USA.