Ahead of the historic encounter in Pretoria, here is everything you need to know about the All Blacks’ third opponents of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour. Following victories over the DHL Stormers and Hollywoodbets Sharks, the squad now faces the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday, August 15 local time (Sunday, August 16, 5am NZT). Subsequently, they will turn their attention to the opening Test against the Springboks at 10bet Ellis Park a week later.
Who are the Vodacom Bulls?
Based in Pretoria, the Vodacom Bulls represent one of the heavyweight names of South African rugby union history and play their home matches at Loftus Versfeld. The professional Bulls franchise grew out of the proud Northern Transvaal and Blue Bulls rugby tradition. Historically, the Northern Transvaal Rugby Union was established back in 1938. The region won its first Currie Cup in 1946 and quickly became one of the dominant forces in South African domestic rugby.
Additionally, the Bulls were South Africa’s most successful team during the Super Rugby era, winning three titles. Their major breakthrough came in 2007 before further championships followed in 2009 and 2010. This golden period featured some of the biggest names in Springbok rugby, including Victor Matfield, Fourie du Preez, Bakkies Botha, and Morné Steyn. Currently, the Bulls compete in the United Rugby Championship (URC) alongside the Sharks, Stormers, and Lions, as well as European club competitions.
A Super Rugby Powerhouse
New Zealand rugby supporters will need little introduction to the Pretoria-based franchise. During the height of Super Rugby, clashes with the Bulls were among the toughest assignments on the calendar, particularly at Loftus Versfeld. Notably, the Bulls became the first South African franchise to win Super Rugby when they defeated the Sharks in the 2007 final.
Two years later, they claimed another title before successfully defending it in 2010. Consequently, they secured three championships in four seasons. That remarkable run remains the most successful Super Rugby record of any South African franchise to date.
Still Among South Africa’s Best
The Bulls remain one of the premier sides in South African club rugby. Remarkably, they reached the United Rugby Championship Grand Final in both 2025 and 2026. Their latest campaign ended in a 36–7 defeat to Leinster at Croke Park in Dublin in June. However, their road to the 2026 final included an impressive 45–14 quarter-final victory over Munster at Loftus Versfeld and a dramatic 22–21 semifinal win over Glasgow Warriors in Scotland.
That impressive run made the Bulls the only South African team to reach the 2026 URC Grand Final. Therefore, it underlines the massive size of the challenge awaiting the All Blacks in Pretoria.
Who Coaches the Bulls?
Former Springbok lock Johan Ackermann leads the side as head coach. Ackermann was appointed in 2025 and guided the team to the URC Grand Final in his very first season in charge. Previously, he coached the Lions during one of the most successful periods in that franchise’s history before taking up overseas roles in England and Japan.
The Bulls have undergone several squad changes ahead of the new season. Ackermann aims to evolve the squad following the departures of key players such as Ruan Nortje, Wilco Louw, and Kurt-Lee Arendse. Meanwhile, high-profile new arrivals include Curwin Bosch, Thaakir Abrahams, and Hanro Liebenberg.
A Production Line for Springboks
The Bulls system has produced some of the greatest players in South African rugby history. Victor Matfield and Bakkies Botha formed one of the most celebrated locking combinations of the professional era, while Fourie du Preez became one of the world’s leading halfbacks. Furthermore, Bryan Habana was part of the iconic 2007 championship team, and Morné Steyn became synonymous with the franchise through his match-winning kick accuracy.
The World-Famous Arena: Loftus Versfeld
Few grounds in world rugby carry the rich history of Loftus Versfeld. The site was first used as a sports field in 1906 and was later named Loftus Versfeld in 1932 in honour of Robert Owen Loftus Versfeld. Sitting more than 1,300 metres above sea level in Pretoria, Loftus presents visiting teams with the extreme challenge of playing at high altitude.
“Playing at altitude at Loftus Versfeld always adds an extra physical dimension to an already intense fixture,” noted rugby analysts.
The Bulls and New Zealand Rugby History
The Bulls became extremely familiar opponents for New Zealand teams during the Super Rugby era. Their rise in the mid-2000s led to unforgettable battles, including the famous 2009 Super 14 final where the Bulls defeated the Chiefs in Pretoria. Although South African franchises transitioned to European competitions after 2020, the rivalry with New Zealand teams remains a cherished part of rugby history.
What’s at Stake in Pretoria?
This fixture represents the All Blacks’ final match before the Test portion of the tour begins. Fans can read our previous All Blacks vs Hollywoodbets Sharks match report to review the tour’s progress so far. For deeper analysis, check out our All Blacks vs Sharks stats preview.
Following this match, the squad will travel to Johannesburg for the opening Test at Ellis Park. Keep track of all upcoming games on our All Blacks 2026 Schedule page and get venue details via our All Blacks 2026 Tickets Guide. Stay tuned to our Rugby News Hub for live updates, and check official team standings on World Rugby.