Menlyn Park Shopping Centre brought some of South Africa’s most celebrated rugby legends together for an exclusive SA Legends Breakfast on Thursday, celebrating the history, passion and enduring legacy of the Springboks versus All Blacks rivalry.
Hosted at The Barnyard Theatre at Menlyn Park, the breakfast formed part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour and took place ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Test at Ellis Park. The Springboks and All Blacks are scheduled to meet in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026, with kick-off set for 17:10 SAST.
Celebrating rugby’s greatest rivalry
The event featured Springbok legends Victor Matfield, Steven Kitshoff, Breyton Paulse and Ray Mordt, who shared stories and reflections from their careers and experiences of one of international rugby’s most iconic rivalries.
The Springboks versus All Blacks fixture has produced generations of memorable moments, legendary players and fiercely contested matches. With the two sides preparing to meet at Ellis Park, the breakfast offered guests an opportunity to reflect on the history behind the rivalry while looking ahead to its next chapter.
The legends discussed what it means to represent the Springboks, the pressure associated with the fixture and the unique combination of pride, passion and expectation that surrounds the contest.
A celebration of rugby, heritage and community
For Menlyn Park, the breakfast was about creating more than a sporting moment. It formed part of the shopping centre’s broader commitment to creating memorable experiences that bring customers and the Pretoria community together.
Nisha Kemraj, General Manager of Menlyn Park Shopping Centre, said:
“Menlyn Park is proud to have hosted such an iconic gathering of South African rugby legends and to bring this incredible sporting heritage to our customers and the Pretoria community. The Springboks versus All Blacks rivalry carries generations of stories, memories and emotion, and we wanted to create an experience that allowed people to connect with that legacy in a meaningful and memorable way.”
she added that events such as the SA Legends Breakfast form part of Menlyn Park’s commitment to creating experiences that extend beyond shopping and bring people together around the moments that matter to them.
The event positioned Menlyn Park as more than a retail destination. By connecting sport, entertainment, heritage and community, the centre created an experience that allowed guests to engage with a meaningful part of South Africa’s cultural identity.
Legends reflect on the game
For Victor Matfield, the enduring appeal of rugby comes down to the passion and pride surrounding the game.
“Rugby is about passion, pride and the moments that bring people together. That’s what makes this game so special,” said Matfield.
The conversation also looked ahead to Saturday’s clash, with Steven Kitshoff sharing his anticipation for the match and backing the current Springbok side.
“We’re really looking forward to Saturday. The boys know what’s at stake and I’m confident they’ll give it everything,” said Kitshoff.
Former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse facilitated the panel, engaging the legends and guests with questions about memorable rivalry matches, career highlights and the moments that helped define the Springboks versus All Blacks contest.
The discussion gave guests a closer look at the unique demands of the fixture, including the pressure of performing on the international stage and the pride associated with wearing the Springbok jersey.
Building anticipation for Ellis Park
With the Springboks and All Blacks set to meet at Ellis Park on Saturday, the SA Legends Breakfast provided a fitting opportunity to celebrate the history behind the fixture while building anticipation for the next encounter.
The match is expected to attract significant attention as the two rugby powerhouses renew their historic rivalry in Johannesburg. Recent coverage has described the Ellis Park Test as the opening fixture of a four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
For Menlyn Park, the event reinforces its role as a destination for premium experiences that connect sport, entertainment, culture and community.
The SA Legends Breakfast demonstrated how brands and shopping centres can create relevance by tapping into moments that already carry deep emotional value. In this case, Menlyn Park used the enduring appeal of Springbok rugby to bring people together, celebrate sporting heritage and create a memorable experience ahead of one of rugby’s most anticipated contests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers about Menlyn Park’s SA Legends Breakfast and the Springboks versus All Blacks rivalry ahead of the Ellis Park Test.
