Springboks v All Blacks 3rd Test – Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour 2026
September 5 All day
The legendary rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks reaches a historic milestone in 2026 with the return of the full touring format. After high-octane clashes at Ellis Park and Cape Town, the tour arrives at the “Calabash”—the massive FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. This venue, which hosted the 2010 FIFA World Cup Final, will serve as the stage for the crucial Third Test in what is effectively a “home” double-header for the Gauteng province.
This guide provides essential information for fans planning to attend the Third Test on September 5, 2026, including venue details, ticketing, and travel/accommodation tips for the Nasrec precinct.
📅 When is the Third Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour 2026?
The Third Test between South Africa and New Zealand is scheduled for:
- Date: Saturday, September 5, 2026
- Special Double-Header: The day kicks off with a Women’s Test match: Springbok Women vs Black Ferns.
- Kick-off: TBC (Expected 17:00 SAST for the Men’s Test)
📍 Where is the Third Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour 2026?
The match will be held at the largest stadium in Africa:
- Venue: FNB Stadium (Soccer City)
- Location: Nasrec, Johannesburg South, Gauteng, South Africa
🏟️ About FNB Stadium
Affectionately known as “The Calabash” due to its design inspired by traditional African pottery, FNB Stadium has a staggering capacity of approximately 94,700. While Ellis Park is the “spiritual home” of rugby, FNB Stadium is the home of South African sporting spectacle. The sheer scale of the crowd creates a wall of sound that is unlike any other venue in world rugby.
🎟️ How do I get tickets for the Third Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour 2026?
Tickets for FNB Stadium are released simultaneously with the rest of the tour.
- Priority Access: Register at greatest-rivalry.com for first access.
- Pre-sale Window: Opens 29 January 2026 at 10:00 AM SAST / 9:00 PM NZDT.
- General Sale: Opens 2 February 2026 at 10:00 AM SAST / 9:00 PM NZDT.
- Official Vendor: Tickets are managed by Ticketmaster South Africa.
- Match Bundles: Look for “Jo’burg Bundles” that cover both the Ellis Park and FNB Stadium Tests.
- Official Travel Packages: SA Rugby Travel offers specific “3rd Test” packages for residents and international visitors, often including flights from Cape Town or Durban.
✈️ How do I travel to FNB Stadium?
FNB Stadium is located in the Nasrec precinct, south of the Johannesburg CBD. Traffic can be extreme, so planning is vital.
- Rea Vaya (Bus Rapid Transit): This is the most efficient way to reach the stadium. Dedicated lanes run from the CBD and Ellis Park directly to the FNB Stadium transport hub.
- Park and Ride (Strongly Recommended): Official services operate from major hubs like Sandton City, Melrose Arch, and Clearwater Mall. This is the safest way to avoid the gridlock around the Nasrec interchange.
- Gautrain + Shuttle: Take the Gautrain to Park Station and use the dedicated KTK Mini Bus Shuttles or Rea Vaya connection to the stadium.
- Ride-Share: Uber and Bolt have a designated “Transport Hub” at the stadium. Expect high surge pricing and long wait times post-match.
- Driving: If you must drive, approach from the South via Rand Show Road to avoid the worst of the city traffic. Secure parking is available but must be pre-booked via the stadium management site.
🏨 Where to Stay near FNB Stadium?
Most fans still prefer the northern suburbs for safety and nightlife, but there are excellent options closer to the venue for this Test.
- Sandton / Rosebank: Remains the best choice for international fans due to the Gautrain and high-end hotel clusters (The Davinci, Sandton Sun).
- Gold Reef City: Located just 2km from the stadium. The Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel and Gold Reef City Hotel offer a festive, secure environment and are within walking distance of the Apartheid Museum.
- Melrose Arch: A premium, walkable precinct that will be buzzing with rugby fans during the tour.
- Johannesburg South: Hotels like Road Lodge Southgate or Ecotel Southgate are convenient but offer fewer dining and entertainment options compared to the North.
Booking Tips:
- Airport Shuttles: Ensure your hotel offers a 24-hour airport shuttle if you are flying in just for the weekend.
- Security: FNB Stadium is near Soweto; while the area is vibrant, stay in established hotels and use official transport rather than walking through unfamiliar areas at night.
🔗 Helpful Links for Your Trip
Experience the roar of nearly 100,000 fans as the Boks and All Blacks settle the score! 🇿🇦🇳🇿
Last Updated on January 14, 2026 by Sports Tourist