All Blacks make change to iconic jersey ahead of Springboks clash
Rugby NewsFriday, 28 August 2026 at 08:27
The All Blacks have made a notable change to their famous black jersey for their blockbuster series against the Springboks.
⭐ Save us to your Google Favourites for nonstop RUCK content!
New Zealand are wearing a specially designed kit throughout the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour, with adidas bringing back one of the most recognisable features from the side’s past.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
The iconic black collar has returned, having last appeared on the All Blacks’ jersey at the 2023 Rugby World Cup.
It forms part of a bespoke jersey created specifically for New Zealand’s first major tour of South Africa in 30 years.
Iconic collar returns
While the All Blacks have experimented with different necklines and designs over the years, the traditional collar has been brought back as adidas looks to combine the team's history with a more modern performance shirt.
When unveiling the jersey, adidas said the design draws on "classic All Blacks design codes" while being built for the demands of the modern game.
The manufacturers specifically highlighted the return of the black collar, which they believe reflects the identity and history associated with one of rugby's most famous shirts.
It isn't the first time New Zealand have looked to their past when redesigning the jersey.
In 2024, the All Blacks wore a white-collared shirt as adidas celebrated 25 years of its partnership with New Zealand Rugby. The feature proved popular with players, with Jordie Barrett revealing at the time that there was widespread support within the squad for its return.
More than just a cosmetic change
There are also several less obvious changes to the shirt.
Using body-mapping information from players, adidas has created a tighter three-dimensional fit around the torso.
Ergonomic side panels have been introduced with the aim of reducing the amount of material opposition players can grab during contact, while the sleeves have also been constructed with the physical demands of Test rugby in mind.
The jersey carries a tonal design created to celebrate the history of the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry, while retaining the famous silver fern.
New Zealand Rugby's Gemma Brown said the collection represented "the best of the old and what is new" as the two nations renew their rivalry.
The special jersey will be worn throughout the tour, which features four Tests against South Africa – three in South Africa before the rivals head to Baltimore in the United States for the final meeting.
New Zealand took the early advantage in the series with a 33-16 victory at Ellis Park, before the sides meet again in Cape Town this weekend.
The tour marks the All Blacks' first full visit to South Africa since their historic series victory in 1996.
LATEST RUGBY NEWS
All Blacks Handed NIGHTMARE Route to 2027 Rugby World Cup Final
With the competition expanding to 24 teams and introducing a Round of 16 for the first time, New Zealand can already map out their possible path to the Webb Ellis Cup — and it is packed with danger.
Pool A: A Trans-Tasman Showdown
New Zealand have been drawn in Pool A with Australia, creating one of the marquee clashes of the group stage. The All Blacks and Wallabies are expected to battle for top spot, with the pool winner earning a potentially more favourable route through the knockout stages.
Under the tournament format, the top two teams from each pool automatically qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams across all pools also advance.
For New Zealand, the objective will be simple: finish first in Pool A.
Round of 16: A Third-Placed Opponent Awaits
If the All Blacks top Pool A, they will face one of the tournament's best third-placed teams in the Round of 16.
Based on the draw, that opponent would come from Pools C, E or F. Possible challengers could include:
On paper, this should represent a manageable first knockout assignment for New Zealand.
Quarter-Final: Potential Clash with South Africa
The bracket reveals the first major obstacle on New Zealand's path.
Should the All Blacks win Pool A and progress through the Round of 16, they are likely to face the winner of Pool B in the quarter-finals. Defending champions South Africa are overwhelming favourites to top that group, which also contains Italy, Georgia and Romania.
That means the Rugby Championship rivals could be set for another World Cup knockout classic, with the Springboks standing between New Zealand and the final four.
Given South Africa's recent dominance and World Cup pedigree, many observers view this as one of the most anticipated potential quarter-finals of the tournament.
Semi-Final: France Looms Large
If New Zealand overcome South Africa, the likely semi-final opponent would emerge from the opposite side of the bracket containing Pool E.
France are strong favourites to win Pool E, which also includes Japan, Samoa and the United States.
Les Bleus are expected to navigate their side of the draw and could set up a blockbuster semi-final against the All Blacks. A meeting between two of world rugby's most talented squads would undoubtedly be one of the highlights of the tournament.
Potential Final Opponents
Should New Zealand reach the final, several heavyweight nations could await.
The opposite half of the draw is expected to be led by:
- Ireland
- Scotland
- Argentina
- England
England's route appears favourable if they top Pool F, while Ireland and Scotland will again meet in the pool stage before potentially making deep runs into the knockout rounds.
Argentina, meanwhile, remain one of the dark horses after their impressive performances in recent World Cups.
Predicted Route to the Final
Assuming the major nations win their pools, the All Blacks' most likely pathway would be:
Pool Stage
- Australia
- Other Pool A opponents
Round of 16
- Best third-placed qualifier (from Pools C, E or F)
Quarter-Final
- South Africa (Pool B winner)
Semi-Final
- France (Pool E winner)
Final
- Ireland, England, Scotland or Argentina
Rugby Quiz: Can you name the past 20 All Blacks captains?
The All Blacks have enjoyed some of the greatest success in rugby history, including back-to-back Rugby World Cup triumphs in 2011 and 2015. Along the way, some of New Zealand’s biggest names have taken on the captaincy.
Join RUCK’s Instagram broadcast channel and get the latest rugby news straight to your phone.
But how well do you remember them? See if you can name the past 20 All Blacks captains and prove your knowledge of New Zealand rugby.
TRENDING
LATEST NEWS
LATEST COMMENTS
Loading