Greatest Rivalry ends in prayer, brotherhood [video]

The Springboks and the All Blacks ended their riveting Greatest Rivary series in Baltimore on bended knee, in prayer.

The tradition dates back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup, when the rugby rivals met in the final.

South Africa beat New Zealand 43-28 in the fourth and final test match in the US to lift the inaugural title trophy.

GREATEST RIVALRY: SPRINGBOKS AND ALL BLACKS KNEEL IN PRAYER

In touching scenes broadcast to rugby fans around the world, the Springboks and All Blacks joined arms and went on bended knee to sign off the Greatest Rivary series in prayer.

The rugby rivals have ended each match in the series the same way.

It is a longstanding tradition for the Springboks, famously dating back to the 1995 World Cup final against New Zealand at Ellis Park. 

After Joel Stransky’s extra-time drop goal secured South Africa’s 15-12 victory, captain Francois Pienaar gathered his teammates, and they dropped to their knees in prayer. 

Pienaar later explained that they were “thanking the Lord for giving us the talent to play in the World Cup final, and for giving us the strength to win it.”

Current captain Siya Kolisi has also spoken about his own faith, which has inspired his leadership.

“I’m not a perfect Christian. I’m horrible, I’m a sinner. I make mistakes. But I’m forgiven by the God that I serve”, he told The Times last year.

Of the Greatest Rivalry finale prayer, Siya added: “We just came together to thank each other for the series”

WHEN WILL SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND PLAY AGAIN?

The Springboks will likely cross paths with the All Blacks at the Rugby World Cup, which will take place in Australia next year.

The two sides have not been drawn to play each other in the pool stage. However, if both teams progress as expected, South Africa and New Zealand could meet in the quarter-finals.