<P> New Zealand (the All Blacks) and the South Africa (the Springboks) have been playing test match rugby union since 1921 when the All Blacks beat the Springboks in Dunedin 13 - 5 . There is considerable history behind these matches, much of it off the field . In 1981, there were protests in New Zealand over the Springboks coming to New Zealand due to the then South African government's policy of apartheid . Up until the start of the professional era, South Africa had won 21 tests to New Zealand's 18 . In the 50 matches since the start of the professional era, New Zealand have won 36 tests to South Africa's 14 . </P> <P> Since 2004 New Zealand and South Africa have contested the Freedom Cup, it has been included as part of the Rugby Championship since 2006 . If the annual series is drawn, the winner is decided through aggregate . </P>

When did new zealand and south africa first play rugby against each other