New Zealand conclude their preparations for the massive Test series against South Africa as they take on the Bulls at altitude in Pretoria.
Dave Rennie’s side are two-from-two so far on tour after following a scratchy showing against the Stormers with an altogether more comprehensive win over the Sharks. This, though, could well be their toughest encounter yet, with plenty of experience in the ranks for the Bulls – perennial United Rugby Championship challengers.
A shift to the Highveld and Loftus Versfeld will provide another challenge for Rennie and his squad to deal with as the All Blacks boss looks to narrow down his selection for the Springboks. Richie Mo’unga has arrived on tour to bolster the playmaking options but is not yet involved – who will put their hand up for Test involvement with the first clash in Johannesburg just a week away?
Follow all of the latest from the clash in Pretoria with our live blog below:
Read MoreRichie Mo’unga returns to New Zealand squad to leave All Blacks selection dilemma
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Bulls vs New Zealand LIVE
- Bulls host New Zealand in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour game | Live on Sky Sports
- All Blacks play final warm-up fixture before four Tests against the Springboks
- 55' TRY! Jacobs sits down Barrett and scores a phenomenal try (BUL 12-36 NZ)
- 50' TRY! Ioane benefits from great work by Carter (BUL 7-36 NZ)
- 44' TRY! Carter spectacularly dots down out wide (BUL 7-29 NZ)
- 42' TRY! Coetzee finishes neat lineout move for first Bulls try of the day (BUL 7-24 NZ)
- HALF-TIME! Bulls 0-24 New Zealand
Bulls 12-36 New Zealand, 64 mins
19:33 , Luke BakerNearly a wonderful All Blacks try - they break with pace, offloads, flicks and trick to keep the ball alive. Eventually Leinert-Brown tries one too many and the ball gets knocked on.
Bulls hold firm at the scrum and Jacobs thumps the ball up to halfway
Bulls 12-36 New Zealand, 62 mins
19:31 , Luke BakerThe Bulls were in trouble as Holland fly hacks ahead but Thaakir Abrahams with brilliant defensive work to slide on the ball and stay alive long enough for the cavalry to arrive.
Stedman Gans helps him out and boots clear.
Katlego Letebele then with a great low kick that flicks off a New Zealand hand and gives Bulls a lineout just outside the NZ 22
Bulls 12-36 New Zealand, 60 mins
19:28 , Luke BakerFive-metre lineout for the Bulls, another first-phase play but this time Coetzee is held up over the line by Segner.
A 22 dropout to relieve pressure for the All Blacks
Bulls 12-36 New Zealand, 58 mins
19:27 , Luke BakerMomentum seems to be with the Bulls at the minute. Le Roux pulls out a clever kick that pins back New Zealand, although he looks as though he may have hurt his calf in the process as he receives some treatment.
Let’s hope the veteran full back is ok
Bulls 12-36 New Zealand, 57 mins
19:25 , Luke BakerThere have been some great tries in this game. The Bulls are bringing plenty to the party.
TRY! BULLS 12-36 New Zealand (Stravino Jacobs, 55 mins)
19:24 , Luke BakerOoooh, that is some try from the Bulls and Stravino Jacobs! The South African side not backing down and get rewarded as they shift the ball through the hands to their left winger.
He barrels down the line, eyes Beauden Barrett as the final defender and steps inside off his right foot to leave the All Blacks full back for dead. What a step! And he canters over the line.
Classy, classy stuff.
Bulls 7-36 New Zealand, 53 mins
19:21 , Luke BakerBig hit by Elrigh Louw! Off the bench in the last few minutes and he clatters fellow replacement Josh Lord. Ooof! The Springbok, known as ‘the sheriff’ delivers his own brand of justice.
Bulls 7-36 New Zealand, 51 mins
19:19 , Luke BakerA frantic nature to this match now. A kick ahead by the Bulls almost leads to a try as Vorster chases but it sits up for Jacomb to slide and grab the ball on the line.
It looks like a New Zealand counter but eventually they kick into the space around halfway, the ball bounces out and everyone can breathe.
TRY! Bulls 7-36 NEW ZEALAND (Rieko Ioane, 50 mins)
19:18 , Luke BakerWOW! Class from the All Blacks. Leroy Carter receives the ball at a standstill out wide but hitch kicks, beats one man in a phone box, pops inside to Rieko Ioane and he accelerates clear to get over for another try.
New Zealand in complete control and Jacomb adds the extras
Bulls 7-29 New Zealand, 48 mins
19:16 , Luke BakerPeter Lakai with a turnover - good work by the NZ No 8. Barrett holds the ball and then releases Leinert-Brown at the perfect moment.
The All Blacks are cooking now.
Bulls 7-29 New Zealand, 47 mins
19:15 , Luke BakerCarter and Ioane both probe around midfield as the all Blacks try to build on this lead. The Bulls defence is sturdy though and Carter’s attempted offload inside is well intercepted
TRY! Bulls 7-29 NEW ZEALAND (Leroy Carter, 44 mins)
19:12 , Luke BakerErm, no they can’t... The All Blacks immediately strike back as they surge into the 22.
The ball is spread wide to Leroy Carter, he sprints down the flank and acrobatically dots down. Harold Vorster is coming across and tries to push him into touch. On-field try but TMO time again...
Oooooooh, this is close. There’s not enough to overturn. Carter’s foot is so close to the line but no clear evidence that it touches. Try stands!
The conversion from the touchline is missed but what a response from NZ!
Bulls 7-24 New Zealand, 43 mins
19:10 , Luke BakerGood start to the second half for the Bulls - can they build on this?
TRY! BULLS 7-24 New Zealand (Marcell Coetzee, 42 mins)
19:09 , Luke BakerWHAT A START! From the lineout, Bulls work it perfectly. JF van Heerden comes down with the ball, Marcell Coetzee on the wraparound gets the ball to popped to him and he’s at full steam at head.
He crashes into two defender and keeps the legs pumping before stretching out to dot the ball down. On-field call is a try but we’re going to the TMO...
TMO Eric Gauzins says that ball is short of the line but referee Nika Amashukeli disagrees, overrules the TMO and says there isn’t enough to overturn so sticks with his on-field decision of try. WOW! Fair play to Amashukeli.
Anyway, the try stands! Conversion added. Reward for the Bulls
Bulls 0-24 New Zealand, 41 mins
19:05 , Luke BakerGood start by the Bulls - No 8 Jeandre Rudolph with a first turnover of the day for him. The penalty is kicked to the corner and this is a great chance.
KICK-OFF! Bulls 0-24 New Zealand
19:04 , Luke BakerBack underway at Loftus
HALF-TIME! Bulls 0-24 New Zealand
19:04 , Luke BakerJust what the All Blacks would have wanted from that first half
HALF-TIME! Bulls 0-24 New Zealand
18:51 , Luke BakerAnd that’s the break. Bulls have looked dangerous in patches but New Zealand have been largely dominant and absolutely clinical.
Winger Josh Moorby has two tries and captain Codie Taylor also has a brace after a clever tap-and-go from five metres and another on the stroke of half-time. So far, so good for the All Blacks.
TRY! Bulls 0-24 NEW ZEALAND (Codie Taylor, 40 mins)
18:49 , Luke BakerNew Zealand turn the ball over and surge into the 22 with one last opportunity before half-time. And there’s the try!
Patience from the All Blacks and captain Codie Taylor scores after a brilliant flicked blind pass out of the back of the hand by Fabian Holland. Taylor takes a good line and can’t be stopped.
Easy conversion and this has been a very good half for the ABs
Bulls 0-17 New Zealand, 39 mins
18:46 , Luke BakerAll Blacks try to break and Jacomb pulls out the basketball pass to Lakai but it’s knocked on near halfway as it bounces.
Bulls are still down to 14 men with Klopper in the sin-bin remember, so they’ll just want to get through to half-time.
They win a scrum penalty, Embrose Papier takes a quick tap and kicks ahead which catches the All Blacks on the back foot. But eventually, New Zealand recover and Beauden Barret thumps into touch over halfway.
Bulls 0-17 New Zealand, 37 mins
18:44 , Luke BakerMaul set up from the lineout by the Bulls. It stalls so they go left but then Juann Else knocks on from the ground trying to pick the ball up.
He claims he doesn’t even touch the ball but replays show he does... The chance goes begging.
Bulls 0-17 New Zealand, 35 mins
18:42 , Luke BakerA short kick-off and it works out for Bulls who win the ball and have a platform just outside the 22. But New Zealand turn it over at the breakdown! Another opportunity gone for the South African side.
But great work by Jeandre Rudolph - the Bulls No 8 wins a penalty at the breakdown! And a classy kick to the corner by Willie Le Roux - no angle but gets it within five metres
TRY! Bulls 0-17 NEW ZEALAND (Codie Taylor, 33 mins)
18:40 , Luke BakerWe get a reset scrum and second time round, the All Blacks win it and then win another penalty. Tap-and-go this time and Codie Taylor scores!
It’s so clever by the All Blacks skipper, he dummy taps which brings the Bulls players forward slightly then, as they retreat, he taps for real, charges for the line and uses his momentum advantage to burrow over. Great stuff!
The conversion is missed but the All Blacks are in complete control
SIN-BIN! Bulls 0-12 New Zealand, 30 mins
18:37 , Luke BakerIt’s a bit scrappy from the All Blacks but they retain possession and reset just outside the five-metre line.
Jacomb has a dart and Segner then churns his legs to within a few inches of the line. Penalty advantage so Barrett and Jacomb and Ioane all flick out of the back of the hand to keep the ball alive. Eventually we come back for the advantage though.
And it’s persistent penalties so a sin-binning for Bulls prop Francois Klopper. And the All Blacks promptly opt for the five-metre scrum.
Replacement tighthead Khutha Mchunu jogs on as Hanro Liebenberg is the back-rower sacrificed.
Bulls 0-12 New Zealand, 28 mins
18:34 , Luke BakerLeinert-Brown route one up the middle to make a couple of metres and set New Zealand up in the 22. All Blacks penalty for offside and it’s back to the corner...
Bulls 0-12 New Zealand, 26 mins
18:33 , Luke BakerAnton Lienert-Brown with one of his first big carries of the game for the All Blacks.
Jeandre Rudolph with the big-man grubber kick! We love it. Collected well by Beauden Barrett though.
Coetzee then knocks on in contact, Josh Jacomb spots a gap and launches a brilliant long kick deep into Bulls territory. In fact, it’s a 50-22. Superb from the young fly half.
Bulls 0-12 New Zealand, 24 mins
18:29 , Luke BakerGood work on the touchline by Josh Jacomb to keep the ball alive for the All Blacks as the Bulls try to find a long touch from a penalty, diving and tipping it back into play before scrambling to his feet to collect.
Bulls 0-12 New Zealand, 22 mins
18:27 , Luke BakerThe Bulls trying to hit back and make some hard-hitting carries up the gut to get towards the NZ 22.
The defence stiffens though, Stedman Gans gets isolated and Anton Segner with great openside play to jackal the ball and win the penalty
TRY! Bulls 0-12 NEW ZEALAND (Josh Moorby, 20 mins
18:25 , Luke BakerSome great blitz defence by Le Roux to surge out of the line and slow New Zealand down but it only delays the inevitable!
A long, lofted pass out to the left and No 8 Peter Lakai hands off one man, produces a one-handed offload inside to Josh Moorby and the winger powers over the line for his second try!
Great work by Lakai and this time the conversion is added to extend the All Blacks lead.
Bulls 0-5 New Zealand, 18 mins
18:23 , Luke BakerThis is turning into carnage! The ball spilling everywhere and it’s back and forth. But Leroy Carter plucks a high kick out of the air and sends the All Blacks surging into Bulls territory.
NO TRY! Bulls 0-5 New Zealand, 17 mins
18:22 , Luke BakerThe All Blacks surge forward and Rieko Ioane cuts inside and makes good ground. But the ball is truned over at the breakdown by Willie Le Roux.
From there Hanro Liebenberg grabs the loose ball and kicks ahead before hacking on again. Fabian Holland outsprints him to get to the ball just short of the try line but he slides to far, can’t collect it properly and Liebenberg is there to touch down for the try! Remarkable!
It’s a TMO review though. OH NO! LE Roux knocked on at the breakdown so the try is ruled out. What a shame!
Bulls 0-5 New Zealand, 16 mins
18:20 , Luke BakerThis might be an incredible response by the Bulls!
TRY! Bulls 0-5 NEW ZEALAND (Josh Moorby, 15 mins
18:19 , Luke BakerNZ march a few metres with the maul, which the Bulls push towards the touchline but the All Blacks then spread the ball.
It’s lightning quick from there, a tip out the back, Leroy Carter on the wraparound and he shifts on to Barrett. Slightly behind him but the veteran full back collects, finds Josh Moorby and the left winger steps inside Stedman Gans and dives over the line. Classy finish.
The conversion is pulled wide though
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 13 mins
18:16 , Luke BakerGreat scrum by the All Blacks! Loosehead Xavier Numia puts the squeeze on and wins the penalty, with the Bulls pinged for collapsing. That’s a vital penalty against the head.
All Blacks kick towards halfway, quickly win another penalty and are now up towards the Bulls 22. They’ve flipped the field in an instant
NO TRY! Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 11 mins
18:14 , Luke BakerTMO agrees - no clear grounding over the line from Else, so it’s a five-metre scrum to the Bulls. Still a great opportunity.
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 11 mins
18:13 , Luke BakerReferee Nika Amashukeli takes a long look but deems the Bulls have come up just short. We’ll go to the TMO but the call on the pitch is no try.
I think it’s Juann Else who burrowed for the line. I was slightly distracted by Bulls No 8 Jeandre Rudolph’s shorts coming down and the world being treated to a clear view of South African rump...
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 11 mins
18:11 , Luke BakerHere come the Bulls again, within five metres. Another penalty, again it goes to the corner. The South Africans have come to play here!
The maul grinds towards the line, they’re an inch or two out...
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 10 mins
18:10 , Luke BakerCodie Taylor neck rolls after a powerful Stdeman Gans carry and the Bulls get the penalty, which Curwin Bosch boshes up into the 22 to create a great platform for the men in blue.
Bulls set up the rolling maul and get within five metres but then the turnover! Francois Klopper was caught isolated and the All Blacks scrabble it back
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 8 mins
18:08 , Luke BakerBulls defensive scrum is solid, enabling the South Africans to thump clear towards halfway.
Eight-cap Springbok scrum half Embrose Papier shows his class with a thumping box-kick clear to near halfway
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 6 mins
18:06 , Luke BakerGolden opportunity with the five-metre lineout. Maul set up by NZ, although the Bulls maul defence stands firm.
And the All Blacks knock the ball on as they try to get it out of the pack. Great defensive set by the club side! Roars around the stadium - well earned.
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 5 mins
18:05 , Luke BakerAll Blacks keep the ball tight, running a few phases but only grinding out a few metres into the 22.
Penalty advantage coming though...
Cortez Ratima snipes from the base to get over the gain-line but New Zealand end up scurrying backwards, so we’re back for the penalty. Beauden Barrett biffs to the corner...
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 4 mins
18:04 , Luke BakerHalf-gap on the outside for Stedman Gans, the Bulls centre, but the South Africans are pinged for not releasing.
Lineout on the 22 gives the All Blacks a first real opportunity. Nice throw from skipper Codie Taylor.
Bulls 0-0 New Zealand, 2 mins
18:03 , Luke BakerThe uncapped All Black fly half Josh Jacomb gets his hands on the ball and clears to touch. Not the deepest and it’s a decent lineout platform for the Bulls but Juann Else errs and overthrows.
KICK-OFF! Bulls 0-0 New Zealand
18:01 , Luke BakerUnderway in Pretoria. Curwin Bosch bashes the ball deep and the All Blacks collect before clearing.
National anthems and haka complete
17:58 , Luke BakerA typically stirring rendition of the South African national anthem, that follows the New Zealand anthem.
A great atmosphere around Loftus Versfeld.
The haka then takes place, of course, and is typically intense. Always a spectacle even when we’ve seen it so often.
Kick-off is not far away now.
Bulls vs New Zealand match officials
17:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleReferee: Nika Amashukeli (Geo)
ARs: Karl Dickson (Eng) & Matthew Carley (Eng)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (Fra)
FPRO: Mike Adamson (Sco)
Bulls ready to go
17:49 , Luke BakerPreparations complete and the Bulls are ready to take on the All Blacks
The calm before the storm. pic.twitter.com/uF7PMAUkxA
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) August 15, 2026
Two old stagers
17:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThey aren’t quite of Ma’a Nonu’s vintage but I’m excited to see Beauden Barrett and Willie le Roux duel in the backfield tonight – perhaps for the last time. It’s 13 years since two classy playmakers first went up against each other at Test level, and each has evolved significantly since then, but they’ll enjoy one last dance. It feels like Le Roux’s Springboks race is run, but Barrett may still have one eye on next year’s World Cup – though the return of Richie Mo’unga means his place feels far from certain.
A handy trio of returnees
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Bulls have been boosted ahead of the URC season by all of Curwin Bosch, Thaakir Abrahams and Hanro Liebenberg returning to South Africa following strong stints in Europe. Bosch has never quite deliivered on the huge potential he showed at the start of his career but was well liked by Brive, where he spent the last two seasons, while the hot-stepping Abrahams showcased some of his strike-running ability at Munster
.The capture of Liebenberg feels a real coup – such a good leader, Leicester were reluctant to part with a player who had been on England’s radar. But the 30-year-old has a young, growing family, and made the difficult decision that returning home would be best for him and wife Danielle.
Test spots up for grabs?
17:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleI think the New Zealand team for the first Test will look pretty similar to the side that began against the Sharks on Tuesday, but there might be a few spots still up for grabs. The second row, for one, feels competitive, with both Fabian Holland and Patrick Tuipulotu pushing to displace Sam Darry and Josh Lord – a pairing that went well in Durban.
There’s still Ardie Savea to come into the back row mix, and striking the right balance there will be key. Is Tupou Vaa’i a certain starter on the blindside? Or does Dave Rennie consider the different profile that a Simon Parker or Wallace Sititi might offer? Plenty to consider.
Team news – New Zealand
17:10 , Harry Latham-CoyleCodie Taylor returns from injury to captain New Zealand in a boost for Dave Rennie with a week until the Springboks series. Beauden Barrett is stationed at full-back with Josh Jacomb installed at 10, while Anton Lienert-Brown and Rieko Ioane unite in an experienced centre partnership.
Six of those involved also featured against the Stormers on Tuesday, including both scrum halves. Richie Mo’unga joined up with the squad on Friday but is not involved.
New Zealand XV: 1 Xavier Numia, 2 Codie Taylor (capt.), 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Fabian Holland, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Anton Segner, 8 Peter Lakai; 9 Cortez Ratima, 10 Josh Jacomb; 11 Josh Moorby, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 13 Rieko Ioane, 14 Leroy Carter; 15 Beauden Barrett.
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa.
Team news – Bulls
17:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleFormer Leicester flanker Hanro Liebenberg makes his return to Bulls colours as part of a strong back row also containing 31-cap Springbok Marcell Coetzee. Veteran Willie le Roux forms an exciting playmaking partnership with Curwin Bosch, while Thaakir Abrahams is another recent returnee to South Africa after a couple of strong years with Munster.
In a late boost for the side, Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar have beeen released from Springboks camp and will feature off the bench.
Bulls XV: 1 Alu Tshakweni, 2 Juann Else, 3 Francois Klopper; 4 Ruan Vermaak, 5 JF van Heerden; 6 Marcell Coetzee (capt.), 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 8 Jeandre Rudolph; 9 Embrose Papier, 10 Curwin Bosch; 11 Stravino Jacobs, 12 Harold Vorster, 13 Stedman Gans, 14 Thaakir Abrahams; 15 Willie le Roux.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Elrigh Louw; 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene.
Team news...
17:02 , Harry Latham-CoyleRight, kick off is approaching speedily in Pretoria – let’s take a look at the two teams in detail...
Adjusting to altitude
16:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand zipped up to Johannesburg after facing the Sharks on Tuesday, settling into Sandton ahead of next week’s first Test against the Springboks. Have they had enough time to adjust to the altitude? Loftus Versfeld isn’t quite at quite the same altitude as Ellis Park, but it is still up on the Highveld.
Dave Rennie expecting toughest New Zealand test so far
16:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleAll Blacks boss Dave Rennie is expecting the Bulls to provide the toughest challenge so far to his side.
“The Bulls have consistently been South Africa’s best franchise side, making the United Rugby Championship finals in four of the last five years. Loftus Versfeld is one of the most formidable rugby grounds in the world, so we are aware of the challenge in front of us and excited at what lies ahead,” Rennie said.
“This is also our final hit out before the first Test match against the Springboks, so it is an important game for us. There is healthy competition for Test spots so this is another opportunity for players to put their hands up for selection.”
Richie Mo’unga returns to New Zealand squad to leave All Blacks selection dilemma
16:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleFly half Richie Mo’unga has been recalled to the New Zealand squad to leave head coach Dave Rennie with a major selection dilemma for the four-Test series against South Africa.
Mo’unga has not appeared for the All Blacks since starting the 2023 Rugby World Cup final defeat to the Springboks, with the playmaker subsequently moving to Japan and thus ineligible for international selection.
The 32-year-old has returned to New Zealand with Canterbury in recent weeks, though, and has now been summoned to the touring squad after centre Billy Proctor was ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Richie Mo’unga returns to New Zealand squad to leave All Blacks selection dilemma
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
16:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleWondering why this series is happening? Well, it has a lot to do with the history of rugby – and the game’s future.
The deeper significance behind the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Improved New Zealand thrash Sharks – but Damian McKenzie injury cause for concern ahead of Springboks Tests
16:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe All Blacks were vastly improved in their tour match against the Sharks on Tuesday, though an injury scare to Damian McKenzie was cause for concern.
Improved New Zealand thrash Sharks – but Damian McKenzie injury cause for concern
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
16:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleTour match three is the last chance for the All Blacks’ Test hopefuls to impress before Dave Rennie narrows down his selection for the first clash with the Springboks next Saturday.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule and how to watch Springboks v All Blacks
Bulls vs New Zealand LIVE
Thursday 13 August 2026 14:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour rolls on with the All Blacks facing the final warm-up fixture before the Test series against the Springboks begins next Saturday. Can New Zealand tune up with a win? Or will a dangerous and experienced Bulls side produce an upset?
Kick off at Loftus Versfeld is at 6pm BST.
