<P> New Zealand ( the All Blacks ) and the South Africa ( the Springboks ) have been playing test match rugby union since 1921 when the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Dunedin 13 - 5 . There is considerable history behind these matches , much of it off the field . In 1981 , there were protests in New Zealand over the Springboks coming to New Zealand due to the then South African government 's policy of apartheid . Up until the start of the professional era , South Africa had won 21 tests to New Zealand 's 18 . In the 50 matches since the start of the professional era , New Zealand have won 36 tests to South Africa 's 14 . </P>
<P> New Zealand ( the All Blacks ) and the South Africa ( the Springboks ) have been playing test match rugby union since 1921 when the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Dunedin 13 - 5 . There is considerable history behind these matches , much of it off the field . In 1981 , there were protests in New Zealand over the Springboks coming to New Zealand due to the then South African government 's policy of apartheid . Up until the start of the professional era , South Africa had won 21 tests to New Zealand 's 18 . In the 50 matches since the start of the professional era , New Zealand have won 36 tests to South Africa 's 14 . </P>
when did new zealand and south africa first play rugby against each other
when did new zealand and south africa first play rugby against each other
1921
1921