FOR THE RECORD: No denying All Blacks vs the Boks is the greatest rivalry

For nearly a century, the sports world has been captivated by the All Blacks versus Springboks rivalry, with 110 encounters since 1921. This month marks the first full tour in three decades, consisting of eight games including four clash between South Africa's top club teams and the All Blacks, and four Tests held on consecutive weekends.

Between the Boks and All Blacks, seven World Cup titles have been won - South Africa with four and New Zealand with three. Since the inception of world rankings in 2003, the two teams have dominated the top spot, with the All Blacks sitting atop for 747 weeks and the Springboks for 332 weeks. Their winning percentages in Test rugby are also impressive, with the All Blacks at 76.66% and the Boks at 64%.

Recent success under Rassie Erasmus has seen the Boks win eight out of 15 clashes, while the All Blacks have won 63 of the 110 Tests, losing 43 and drawing four. However, in Erasmus's tenure since 2018, the Boks have been more dominant, winning six and losing five out of the same 15 clashes.

Despite being favorites, the Boks are under immense pressure as they haven't won a series against the All Blacks since 2011. The All Blacks, on the other hand, have nothing to lose and are motivated to prove themselves. Their coach, Dave Rennie, has a remarkable record against South African teams, having won three out of four clashes as Wallaby head coach and 18 out of 24 clashes during the Super Rugby era.

The tour is not only about the intense competition between the two rugby giants, but also a chance for rugby to capture the global sporting spotlight. With no clashes coinciding with other major sporting events, this series has the potential to significantly boost the income of both the South African Rugby Union (Saru) and New Zealand Rugby (NZR).