The Springboks’ win last month over the All Blacks in Wellington is already etched into rugby folklore.

It was not only the All Blacks’ heaviest defeat – losing 43-10 to the Boks – but is already remembered for South Africa’s storming comeback in the second half, where a mix of forward domination and backline brilliance left New Zealand rugby in disarray.

But the Springboks have a long and proud history and there have been past matches which rival last month’s win for their significance.

For Springbok fans of a certain vintage one match will be etched indelibly in their memory – that is the 1995 World Cup Final. It is a match filled with iconic moments, ranging from Joel Stransky’s drop goal, to Nelson Mandela in green and gold, to Joost van der Westhuizen’s try-saving tackle on Jonah Lomu. The victory over the All Blacks helped unify a divided nation.

Another World Cup final was arguably as iconic. In 2019, Siya Kolisi led South Africa to a commanding 32-12 triumph over England in Yokohama. The performance was a blend of scrum dominance, tactical precision, and backline brilliance, capped by the image of the first black Springbok captain lifting the Webb Ellis Cup.

Beyond the World Cup, the 1937 tour remains legendary. Philip Nel’s: “Invincibles” defeated the All Blacks 17-6 in Auckland, becoming the only South African side to win a Test series in New Zealand. Two decades later, in 1955 at Cardiff Arms Park, the Boks crushed Wales 21-9, ending a proud home streak and confirming South Africa’s place as rugby’s benchmark.

Another Home Nations match also stands out – in November 1951 South Africa defeated Scotland 44-0 (using modern scoring the Springboks won 62-0). Legendary rugby commentator, Bill McLaren, who was just breaking into journalism at the time said of the team: “It was like sevens played by 15 men. I had never seen anything quite like them.”

“We were lucky to get nil,” a Scottish fan is reputed to have said – possibly an apocryphal quote but one that showed how dominant the Springboks were in that match.

Another Wellington win belongs alongside them. Written off after poor form, Kolisi’s side stunned New Zealand 36-34 in 2018, proving that the Springboks could again conquer the toughest stage. That victory laid the groundwork for the Yokohama glory a year later.

Together, these six games showcase the Springboks’ proud history and show how the team has evolved – from one which used to be a reflection of Afrikanerdom but now one which is a true reflection of South Africa and all its people.