Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry did not begin with the year’s greatest game but a famous New Zealand victory against the odds, at altitude in Johannesburg, has poured intrigue and interest on to the next three Tests in a series which was already brimming with them.

Live text commentary as the Springboks face the All Blacks in the first test at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg.

JOHANNESBURG (AP) — New Zealand stunned South Africa 33-16 at Ellis Park on Saturday and drew first blood in their historic four-test series. After surviving a ferocious first half to trail only 13-12,

The All Blacks have returned to the summit of the World Rugby rankings following their 33-16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park. South Africa lost 1.75 rating points because of the defeat, the same tally that New Zealand gained, which is enough to see them reclaim the number one ranking.

New Zealand have taken a 1-0 lead in the Greatest Rivalry Test Series after defeating the Springboks 33-16 at Ellis Park.

The Springboks have lost their No 1 spot in the World Rugby rankings after suffering a defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday.

If there was any doubt about whether New Zealand are on the way back, starting to look like the best version of themselves, then it was surely blown away by an epic win at Ellis Park in which their resilience was extraordinary.

South Africa welcome New Zealand for their Greatest Rivalry series with the suspicion that they plan on beating the tourists at their own game