The All Blacks will continue their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour when they take on the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban, setting up a high‑profile clash between New Zealand’s national side and KwaZulu‑Natal’s leading professional franchise.
Sharks: a KwaZulu‑Natal institution
Based in Durban, the Sharks represent KwaZulu‑Natal in South African and international club rugby. The professional franchise grew out of the long history of the Natal Rugby Union, established in 1890, and evolved into one of the most recognisable brands in South Africa’s game during the Super Rugby era.
After competing in the Super 12, Super 14 and Super Rugby competitions for many seasons, the Sharks now play in the United Rugby Championship (URC), where they meet South African rivals such as the Bulls, Stormers and Lions, alongside leading clubs from Ireland, Wales, Scotland and Italy. A Sharks side also continues to represent the province in the domestic Currie Cup.
Coaching and connections to New Zealand
The Sharks are coached by New Zealand‑born John Plumtree. Plumtree’s CV links both countries: he represented Natal as a player before embarking on a coaching career that included Wellington, the Hurricanes and a role with the All Blacks. Those cross‑border ties add an intriguing subplot to the Kings Park fixture.
Record and rivalry highlights
Throughout the professional era the Sharks have regularly challenged for major honours. They reached four Super Rugby finals — in 1996, 2001, 2007 and 2012 — but the Johannesburg‑based Bulls denied them the title each time.
The most heart‑rending loss for Sharks supporters came in the 2007 Super Rugby final at Kings Park, when the home side led into the closing stages before Bryan Habana crossed after the final hooter and Derick Hougaard’s conversion sealed a 20–19 victory for the Bulls.
On the domestic front the Sharks have claimed the Currie Cup on eight occasions, underlining their standing in South African provincial rugby.
Recent international club success
In 2024 the Sharks recorded a milestone by winning their first major international club trophy, defeating Gloucester 36–22 in the EPCR Challenge Cup. That achievement broadened the franchise’s profile beyond South Africa and the URC, adding European silverware to their honours list.
| Honour | Details |
|---|---|
| Super Rugby finals | 1996, 2001, 2007, 2012 (runners‑up) |
| Currie Cup | 8 titles |
| EPCR Challenge Cup | 2024 – defeated Gloucester 36–22 |
What the fixture means for Durban
Matches between touring national sides and provincial franchises are more than sporting contests; they are civic occasions that bring visitors, local rugby supporters and economic activity to the city. Hollywoodbets Kings Park has hosted some of the most memorable rugby moments in Durban, and a fixture involving the All Blacks is a draw for both long‑time fans and casual observers.
- Local exposure: The fixture provides an opportunity to showcase Durban’s rugby heritage and the King’s Park precinct.
- Player pathways: It gives Sharks players a chance to test themselves against world‑class opposition and for local talent to perform on a big stage.
- Community engagement: High‑profile matches often coincide with outreach and club‑level activity that benefits grassroots rugby.
What to watch for on the day
Key storylines will include how the Sharks’ URC‑season form translates against an international Test side, Plumtree’s selection choices and the way Durban supporters influence the atmosphere at Kings Park. For the All Blacks, the match is part of a tour that highlights the long, competitive history between New Zealand and South African rugby.
For KwaZulu‑Natal rugby followers this meeting is another chapter in a proud regional story: a provincial franchise with deep roots, international connections and a record of competing at the top levels of the sport. Whatever the result, the fixture promises to be a major date on Durban’s sporting calendar.
Reporting from Durban.
