Springboks and All Blacks will split unique trophy if Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry ends level

If the Springboks and the All Blacks draw their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series 2-2, each nation will keep one half of the competition’s unusual trophy.

The outcome has been a talking point among rugby supporters before the opening Test in Johannesburg on Saturday, with the four-match series set to be played across two continents.

That question was answered at the unveiling of the trophy, which consists of two separate pieces joined together by magnets.

The team that wins the series will be presented with both sections of the trophy. However, if the contest finishes level at 2-2, the Springboks and the All Blacks will each retain one half.

The arrangement means the trophy has been designed to reflect either a decisive series victory or an even contest between the two sides.

The opening three Tests will take place in South Africa before the teams travel to the United States for the fourth and final match in Baltimore in September.

Saturday’s first Test in Johannesburg is scheduled to begin at 17:10. Both teams are due to be named on Thursday.

The series brings together two of the most familiar opponents in international rugby, with the result potentially determining whether one side takes the complete trophy or whether it is divided between the rivals.

Until the trophy ceremony, it had not been confirmed what would happen if neither team finished with an overall advantage. The decision to separate the prize into two magnetically connected pieces now provides the answer.

A 2-2 outcome would therefore leave the trophy physically divided, with one part staying with the Springboks and the other going to the All Blacks.

The first opportunity for either team to take the lead comes in Johannesburg on Saturday, before the remaining Tests determine whether the series produces an outright winner or the unique split arrangement.

The teams will be named on Thursday ahead of the opening match.