CAPE TOWN - The All Blacks and the Springboks will be playing for more than their Tri-Nations rugby hopes in Johannesburg on Saturday.
A new piece of silverware known as the Freedom Cup will also be up for grabs.
South African Rugby has decided that the test at Ellis Park will the
sport's contribution to this year's government-driven programme to mark 10 years since the country's first democratic elections.
The Freedom Cup will be contested every two years between New Zealand and South Africa.
A similar trophy, the Nelson Mandela Cup, is played for by Australia and South Africa.
The All Blacks will be battling against a formidable Springbok record in Johannesburg if they want to be the inaugural holders of the Freedom Cup.
They have played more tests there than in any other South African city, for just three wins in 10 matches.
While the All Blacks are on an eight-test winning streak over the Springboks, their last defeat by South Africa was at the 65,000-capacity Ellis Park.
The South Africans have an even stronger record against other teams in the nation's largest city.
In 11 tests there since they were readmitted to the international arena in 1992, the Springboks have lost just twice, both times to New Zealand.
New Zealand versus South Africa in Johannesburg:
1928 - New Zealand 7 South Africa 6
1949 - South Africa 12 New Zealand 6
1960 - South Africa 13 New Zealand 0
1970 - South Africa 20 New Zealand 17
1976 - South Africa 15 New Zealand 14
1992 - New Zealand 27 South Africa 24
1995 - South Africa 15 New Zealand 12 (World Cup final)
1996 - South Africa 32 New Zealand 22
1997 - New Zealand 35 South Africa 32
2000 - South Africa 46 New Zealand 40.
- NZPA
