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 ahead of Saturday’s highly anticipated Test at Ellis Park.
Hosted at The Barnyard Theatre at Menlyn Park, the breakfast featured Springbok legends Victor Matfield, Steven Kitshoff, Breyton Paulse and Ray Mordt, who shared stories and reflections from their careers and their experiences of one of international rugby’s most iconic rivalries.
The breakfast formed part of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour, which celebrates the rich history and fierce competition between the Springboks and All Blacks. With the two sides set to meet at Ellis Park on Saturday, the gathering offered an opportunity to reflect on the moments, players and stories that have helped shape the rivalry over generations.
The legends shared their experiences of representing the Springboks, reflected on the significance of the rivalry and offered insights into what makes the Springboks versus All Blacks fixture one of the most anticipated contests in international rugby.
A celebration of rugby, heritage and shared experiences
For Menlyn Park, the breakfast was about creating more than a sporting moment. It formed part of the centre’s broader commitment to creating memorable experiences that bring its customers and the wider 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. Events such as the SA Legends Breakfast are part of our commitment to creating experiences at Menlyn that extend beyond shopping and bring people together around the moments that matter to them.”
For Matfield, the enduring appeal of rugby comes down to the passion and pride that surround 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 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.
Driving the conversation was former Springbok wing Breyton Paulse, who facilitated the panel and engaged both the legends and guests with questions exploring memorable rivalry matches, career highlights and the moments that have helped define the Springboks versus All Blacks contest.
The breakfast also provided an opportunity for guests to engage with the legends ahead of Saturday’s Test, with the conversation reflecting on the unique pressure, pride and passion associated with wearing the Springbok jersey.
Looking ahead to Ellis Park
With the Springboks and All Blacks set to meet at Ellis Park on Saturday, 22 August 2026, the SA Legends Breakfast offered a fitting opportunity to celebrate the history behind the fixture while building anticipation for the next chapter in the rivalry.
For Menlyn Park, the event reinforces its role as a destination for premium experiences that connect sport, entertainment, culture and community.
SUPPLIED.
