That Rugby World Cup quarter-final, which ended 28-24 in favour of the All Blacks, was one of the sport’s best ever games and this renewal of the now feisty rivalry should be a spectacular way for the IRFU to begin its 150th year anniversary celebrations.
Three matches are scheduled for Stellenbosch: Ireland vs Georgia (kick-off 2pm local), France vs New Zealand (4:30pm) and South Africa vs Argentina (7pm). Over in Athlone, Wales vs Spain is the opening match (2pm) followed by England vs Fiji (4:30pm) and Australia vs Italy (7pm).
Matt Sherratt didn't expect to find himself as a head coach but his humility and humour have helped with a feel-good factor at the Arms Park
Sifting through the drama and injuries to find the top performers at each position, here is a team of the tournament, which features eight All Blacks, three Springboks, three Pumas and one Wallaby.
Members of the 2011 World Cup winning All Blacks side Stephen Donald, Kieran Read and Isreal Dagg have all expressed their concerns for the All Blacks starting forward pack in Bledisloe 2.
With the inaugural Super Rugby Pacific campaign done and dusted, here's a selection of competition's standout player in this Team of the Season.
The visitors were their own worst enemy across the 80 minutes, gifting possession back to the eventual victors through poor handling and getting beaten to the punch at the breakdown.
With the scores locked at 16-all, and with the siren already having sounded, a penalty gave Reece Hodge the chance to kick his side to an unlikely test victory against the All Blacks in Wellington.
Budgets, players to watch, arrivals and departures - and an overview of each club at the start of the new season. Welcome to the Rugby Pass club-by-club Top 14 season preview