Dozens of fraudsters have sprung up on Instagram, Facebook and other platforms using genuine Springbok imagery and “credible” shop names to cash in on Springbok rugby fever.

There is only one official online Springbok store, with access to official clothing and licensed supporter items and where orders and deliveries are guaranteed. It is located at the official SA Rugby online store.

SA RUGBY HITS OUT AT SCAMMERS!

“There has been a worrying proliferation of online stores on social media channels, preying on fans’ trust and their eagerness for Bok supporter wear,” said Rian Oberholzer, CEO of SA Rugby.

“They cut-and-paste genuine marketing material from our apparel partner Nike and our own online store to pass themselves off as official – offering discounted prices.

“We are issuing an urgent ‘buyer beware’ warning to fans to not fall for online fraudsters but to go to the official online store so as not to be fall victim to online scam artists.”

HAVE YOU BEEN DUPED BY FAKE ONLINE STORES?

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You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

First up, the Springboks will play New Zealand in Johannesburg this weekend before a ‘rematch’ in Cape Town on 7 September.

It will effectively also see a clash between two of the most highly-regarded coaches in the game, Rassie Erasmus and Scott Robertson.

Both coaches have great respect for each other, and are known for their unique personalities, with Robertson fondly renowned as a celebratory breakdancer with the Crusaders.

During a press conference this week, the All Blacks coach was reminded that perhaps the one thing that Erasmus can’t do, is breakdance. Responding with a smile and a chuckle, he commented: “That’s a good point. We’ll have to see what rhythm he’s got.”

On a more serious note, though, he said there was no doubt that Rassie had set a ‘benchmark’ as a coach.

“We shared a few beers and a few stories after the games over the years. We just have a good little rapport that you’re sort of connected in,” Robertson told reporters on Thursday.

“You watch players go into their coaching after they’ve played and you look to his journey and how he’s got to where he’s got to where he’s got, it’s a pretty remarkable story isn’t it? He won a couple of World Cups… he’s got seven forwards on the bench and it’s awesome.

“He’s one of the benchmarks, yeah, for sure,” he added. “You have all that success, you’ve got to respect that.”

Rassie’s reputation precedes him

Looking ahead to the upcoming blockbuster clashes, Robertson has opened up about what he was expecting.

“They’ve got a clear DNA, South Africa,” Robertson said in assessing his next opponents. “They’ve been pretty innovative and have evolved really well in the last few games, so that’s the exciting part.

“You get to see enough of them in Test footy and you see how [Erasmus’] mind works. He’s pretty special. They’ve got a great group there, so they’re going to be a great Test matches.”

The All Blacks will be touring South Africa for just the third time since Erasmus took charge of the Boks in 2018.

“They’re just a different challenge,” Robertson added. “They’re set-piece orientated, but can get you in some great kick battles and put pressure [on you] in different ways. It’s a little bit different to [playing in] Lautoka [in Fiji] or playing at Suncorp.

“[There’s the] Highveld, there’s conditions, there’s all those factors that come with it. You do miss it, because it’s a different challenge, but it’s an exciting one.”

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALS

When Etzebeth comes on, it will mark his 125^th in the green and gold jersey, which will see him leapfrog Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok of all time and take one step closer to Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record of 127 caps.

At the other end of the spectrum, Ben-Jason Dixon will feature in just his fourth Test at flank, and he highlighted how inspirational it was to have Etzebeth back in the squad.

“What stood out for me the first time I chatted to Eben was the way he got himself up for games and his competitiveness and desire to win,” said Dixon.

“The more experience he gets, the hungrier he gets to win, and he wears his heart on his sleeve in the way he plays, so I definitely feed off that energy as a player. Having him in the squad simplifies my job a little bit too.”

Etzebeth’s presence will be a major boost for the Springboks

The Springboks wrapped up their main on-field preparations for the match on Wednesday and will have Thursday off to rest before their traditional captains run on Friday.

This Saturday’s match kicks off at 17:00 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Meanwhile, Rassie Erasmus released four players – Steven Kitshoff (prop), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi (both wings) – to their provincial unions on Wednesday afternoon to get game time in the Carling Currie Cup this weekend.

MATCH INFORMATION

Springboks (updated) – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard.

New Zealand: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a.

Date: Saturday, August 31
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT; 03.00 NZST Sunday, September 1)
Referee: Andrew Brace (Ireland)
Assistant Referees: Matthew Carley (England) and Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Brian MacNeice (Ireland)

Stats and facts:

Springbok record against New Zealand:
Played: 106, Won: 40. Lost: 62, Drawn: 4. Points for: 1 741; Points against: 2 196; Tries scored: 168; Tries conceded: 240. Win %: 37.7%

The Springboks announced their star-studded lineup for this Test on Tuesday, while the All Blacks named their team on Thursday morning.

The Springboks have since changed their team, with the inclusion of Eben Etzebeth on the bench after he overcame an injury scare, while the big talking point from the All Blacks team is the selection of Sam Cane in the starting XV.

Speaking on New Zealand’s most prominent rugby talk show, The Breakdown, a visibly annoyed Kirwan hit out at the strength of South Africa’s bench, saying he is going to boo at the television when the Springboks introduce their substitutes against the All Blacks.

WATCH: KIRWAN SLAMS SPRINGBOK BOMB SQUAD

TEAMS

SPRINGBOKS: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard.

ALL BLACKS — 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams.
Subs: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a.

WILL THE SPRINGBOKS BEAT THE ALL BLACKS ON SATURDAY?

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According to coach Rassie Erasmus, after Etzebeth completed all the training sessions earlier this week and was drafted onto the replacements bench for the Rugby Championship encounter.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

Could pass Bryan Habana

Etzebeth replaced Marco van Staden on the bench, which offers the team specialist lock cover for the starting combination of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje.

Should he get game time, the Test will mark Etzebeth’s 125th in the green and gold jersey, which will see him leapfrog Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok of all time and take one step closer to Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record of 127 caps.

“Our selection policy has always been that if a player does not train on a Monday he will not play on Saturday, but Eben has made it through training pain-free all week, so we had to make the tough call to name him in the squad at the expense of Marco,” said Erasmus.

“There were back-up options for us at lock in the initial squad, but with Eben on the bench it means we have another specialist in that position in the team.

“We are blessed to have an expanded squad of about 45 players who have all bought into our plans and who understand what’s best for the team, and it’s admirable how Marco accepted the news. It shows the quality of the player and person he is.”

Leading South African bookmakers Hollywoodbets were quick to react to the news of Etzebeth’s late inclusion – as well as the naming of the All Blacks matchday squad on Thursday.

The Springboks are now 7/20 favourites for the match, while the All Blacks can be backed at 24/10.

The draw after 80 minutes is on offer at 20/1.

In terms of handicap, the Springboks are seen to be 7.5-point favourites.

TEAMS

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard

New Zealand

15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Damian McKenzie, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams

Substitutes: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Sam Darry, 20 Samipeni Finau, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a

What will happen this weekend?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest Springbok news.

From a South African perspective, the good news is that the Springboks are very well placed on the current standings, having claimed back-to-back bonus-point victories over Australia to start their campaign.

The Springboks are five points clear of New Zealand at the top of the standings, with a superior points differential of 20.

It really means that only a massive All Blacks victory this weekend could displace the Springboks from top spot, but the hosts will of course be targeting a result that could put them into a position of even more ascendancy as they look to secure an elusive Rugby Championship title.

Here is where the Springboks sit on the Rugby Championship log

Meanwhile, the Springboks are also well-placed in the World Rugby rankings.

A victory by 15 points or fewer for the Springboks will see their points tally grow by 0.26 points. Similarly, a defeat by that margin will see New Zealand’s points total drop by 0.26 points.

A win by 16 or more points for the Springboks will see them gain 0.39 points – and the All Blacks lose a similar tally.

A draw would see South Africa lose 0.74 points, but stay top, while in such a scenario the All Blacks would pick up 0.74 points, but stay third.

However, a win for New Zealand by 15 or fewer points would see them pick up 1.74 points (and the Springboks lose 1 points), and move to eighth place, with the Springboks dropping to second spot.

A victory by 16 or more points for the All Blacks would see them pick up 2.74 points, but again keep them in third place. The Springboks would again slip to second spot.

TOP 20 IN THE LATEST WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS

The first Test between the two proud nations took place on 13 August 1921 when the All Blacks triumphed 13-5 at Carisbrook in Dunedin, New Zealand.

The most recent clash between the two sides took place in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final when the Springboks snuck a 12-11 win at the Stade de France in Paris to lift the Webb Ellis Cup for a record fourth occasion.

All told, the All Blacks enjoy a 60-42 win advantage, while four Tests have ended in stalemates.

When did the Springboks and All Blacks draw?

It’s those four Tests where no winner could be found that we’re most interested in.

Here’s when they took place …

The first draw took place on 17 September 1921 in what was just the third Test between the two sides at Athletic Park in Wellington.

The match finished 0-0.

Eighthman Boy Morkel captained South Africa that day.

The second draw took place on 13 August 1960 when the sides played to a 11-11 stalemate after 80 minutes at the Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein.

Lock Avril Malan skipped the Springboks that day and their points came via a try by flyhalf Keith Oxlee and a conversion and two penalties by scrumhalf Dick Lockyear.

The third draw took place on 6 August 1994 at Eden Park in Auckland.

The match finished 18-all.

Flank Francois Pienaar captained the Springboks that day and their points came via a try by centre Brendan Venter and a try, conversion and two penalties by wing Gavin Johnson.

The fourth and final draw came on 27 July 2019, once again in Wellington, but this time at the WestPac Stadium.

Eighthman that day, Duane Vermeulen, skipped the side to a 16-16 draw.

The Springboks’ points came via a try by reserve scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies and a conversion and three penalties by flyhalf Handre Pollard.

Do you remember any of those matches?

What will happen this weekend?

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Kick-off is at 17:00.

The match is the first in back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests between the two bitter rivals.

Saturday’s match is the 107th of all time between the two nations.

Heading into the clash, the All Blacks have won 62, lost 40, while four matches have ended in draws.

Springboks and All Blacks have played 15 times at Ellis Park

The sides have met 15 times previously at Ellis Park, with the Springboks winning nine of those matches, while the All Blacks have emerged victorious on six occasions.

Incidentally, the sides have also played twice at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with the All Blacks winning both of those fixtures.

So, which milestones or ‘records’ could be achieved this weekend?

Handre Pollard, who will start on the bench, needs just one conversion to become only the third Springbok to land 100 two-pointers after Morne Steyn (102) and Percy Montgomery (153).

Pollard also needs just nine points to overtake Morne Steyn (742 points) and move into second place on the Springbok all-time points scorers’ list behind Montgomery who leads the way with 893 points.

Should Malcolm Marx score a try he will move to 20 and into a tie for 10th place in the all-time Springbok try scorers list, equal with the late James Small. Marx is the leading Springbok forward try scorer.

Cheslin Kolbe needs just four points to reach 100 points in Tests for South Africa. Kolbe’s 96 points to date have come via 15 ties, three conversions and five penalties.

Finally, should he come off the bench, Eben Etzebeth will move out of a tie with Bryan Habana (124) in the all-time Tests played list and into sole possession of second place, just two behind Victor Matfield (127).

TEAMS

South Africa (revised)

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard

New Zealand

TBA

Habana dotted down 67 times in his 124 Tests for South Africa.

That number is well ahead of the 38 tries scored by the late Joost van der Westhuizen.

The leading active player is Makazole Mapimpi (fourth place) with 30 tries in his 44 Tests, but he’s closer to the end rather than the start of his international career.

The leading try scorer among the forwards is hooker Malcolm Marx with 19 in 69 Tests.

He’s currently tied with Danie Gerber and Stefan Terblanche and needs just one more five-pointer to tie the late James Small.

Second among the forwards is Schalk Burger jnr with 16 (86 Tests), while Bongi Mbonambi rounds out the ‘podium’ with 14 tries in 72 Tests.

SPRINGBOK FORWARDS WITH 10 TEST TRIES OR MORE

* denotes still active

Despite not being named in the original squad, it was subsequently confirmed that he had been cleared to face New Zealand, and on Wednesday he was named on the bench in place of Marco van Staden.

It was of course an understandable late inclusion, but ever since Erasmus has been at the helm of the Springboks, there has been a clear selection policy in place – and which had to be factored in this week.

Internally, the coaches reveal the team selected to the players on a Sunday, and if someone is unable to train on a Monday, it immediately renders them unavailable.

This initially seemed to be the case with Etzebeth, but it was then confirmed that he was actually able train flat out on Monday, clearing him for selection after passing subsequent fitness tests.

“Our selection policy has always been that if a player does not train on a Monday he will not play on Saturday, but Eben has made it through training pain-free all week, so we had to make the tough call to name him in the squad at the expense of Marco,” Erasmus explained.

“There were back-up options for us at lock in the initial squad, but with Eben on the bench it means we have another specialist in that position in the team.

“We are blessed to have an expanded squad of about 45 players who have all bought into our plans and who understand what’s best for the team, and it’s admirable how Marco accepted the news. It shows the quality of the player and person he is.”

Should he get game time, the Test will mark Etzebeth’s 125^th in the green and gold jersey, which will see him leapfrog Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok of all time and take one step closer to Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record of 127 caps.

Eben Etzebeth is back in a revised Springbok team named by Rassie on Wednesday

Springboks (updated) – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard.

Stats and facts:

Springbok record against New Zealand:
Played: 106, Won: 40. Lost: 62, Drawn: 4. Points for: 1 741; Points against: 2 196; Tries scored: 168; Tries conceded: 240. Win %: 37.7%

Meanwhile, Erasmus released four players – Steven Kitshoff (prop), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi (both wings) – to their provincial unions on Wednesday afternoon to get game time in the Carling Currie Cup this weekend.

Etzebeth, who was initially excluded from the Springboks’ match-23 for the first of two Tests against the All Blacks due to an injury concern earlier in the week, has returned to fitness and thus earned selection into the match 23.

He replaces Marco van Staden on the Springboks’ bench, which offers the team specialist lock cover for the starting combination of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje.

Should he get game time against the All Blacks this weekend, the Test will mark Etzebeth’s 125^th in the green and gold jersey, which will see him leapfrog Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok of all time and take one step closer to Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record of 127 caps.

WHEN WILL EBEN BE STANDALONE MOST CAPPED SPRINGBOK?

As things stand, Etzebeth needs three Test appearances to equal Matfield’s record of 127 caps and four to break that record.

The Springboks have four games remaining in the Rugby Championship, two each against the All Blacks and Argentina. Three of those will be on home soil and one away in Argentina.

If he stays fit and earns selection in every one of those games, it means Etzebeth will sit on 126 Test caps after the series against the All Blacks.

He will equal Matfield’s record in the Springboks’ clash against Los Pumas in the city of Santiago del Estero in on 21 September and then break the record to stand alone as the most capped Bok of all time in the return game against Los Pumas in Mbombela on Saturday, 28 September.

IF HE BREAKS THE TEST RECORD, WILL EBEN BE THE GREATEST BOK OF ALL TIME?

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After initially having been excluded from the Springbok 23-man squad announced for the Rugby Championship showdown in Johannesburg, it was confirmed on Wednesday that the 32-year-old second rower will start on the substitutes’ bench after all.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

Etzebeth and Habana currently both have 124th Test appearances in the green and gold.

Lock Victor Matfield holds the record for Springbok Test caps with 127.

Etzebeth wasn’t originally included in Rassie Erasmus’s matchday squad for the first Test against New Zealand after struggling with both back and knee injuries.

However, in announcing the change, Erasmus said: “Our selection policy has always been that if a player does not train on a Monday he will not play on Saturday, but Eben has made it through training pain-free all week, so we had to make the tough call to name him in the squad at the expense of Marco (van Staden).

“There were back-up options for us at lock in the initial squad, but with Eben on the bench it means we have another specialist in that position in the team.”

Eben Etzebeth has time on his side

With the Springboks set to play six more Tests in 2024 (after this weekend), assuming he stays injury-free, Etzebeth will assume the mantle of most-capped Springbok before the year is out.

Etzebeth also has time on his side considering he will only turn 33 in late October.

Below, Springboks to have played 80 or more Tests heading into Saturday’s match:

TEAMS

South Africa (revised)

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard

New Zealand

TBA

The Springboks have released FOUR players from the current squad.

Meaning, the released quartet of Rugby World Cup winners will return to the Sharks, Bulls and Stormers.

SPRINGBOKS RELEASE FOUR RWC WINNERS

Makazole Mapimpi, Canan Moodie, Manie Libbok and Steven Kitshoff will all be available for selection in the Currie Cup this weekend after being sent back to their clubs.

Therefore, Mapimpi will be available for the Sharks.

Meanwhile, Moodie could feature for the Bulls.

Finally, Stormers fan-favourites, Libbok and Kitshoff are also available for selection for the Cape-based outfit this weekend.

“Erasmus released four players – Steven Kitshoff (prop), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi (both wings) – to their provincial unions on Wednesday afternoon to get game time in the Carling Currie Cup this weekend,” the statement read on SARugby.

SHORT RETURN TO GET GAMETIME BEFORE CAPE TOWN TRIP

All four men are still in the Springboks set up.

Moreover, they were only released to get some much-needed game time. Kitshoff has been out of action for several months and is in need of some playing time before he returns to play for the Boks. Furthermore, Moodie recently returned after missing months of action.

Libbok, on the other hand, has struggled for gametime with the Springboks this season. So, some playing time will do his confidence a world of good. Finally, Mapimpi will want to keep warm as he keeps the likes of Kurt-lee Arendse and Cheslin Kolbe on their toes.

Therefore, all four players will likely join up with the Boks when they fly to Cape Town.

DO YOU THINK ANY OF THESE SPRINGBOKS SHOULD PLAY AGAINST THE ALL BLACKS IN CAPE TOWN?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. You can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your daily social fix.

Etzebeth, who was initially excluded from the Springboks’ match-23 for the first of two Tests against their southern hemisphere arch-rivals due to an injury concern earlier in the week, replaces Marco van Staden on the bench, which offers the team specialist lock cover for the starting combination of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje.

Should he get game time, the Test will mark Etzebeth’s 125^th in the green and gold jersey, which will see him leapfrog Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok of all time and take one step closer to Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record of 127 caps.

RASSIE ERASMUS ON EBEN ETZEBETH’S INCLUSION

“Our selection policy has always been that if a player does not train on a Monday he will not play on Saturday, but Eben has made it through training pain-free all week, so we had to make the tough call to name him in the squad at the expense of Marco,” said Erasmus.

“There were back-up options for us at lock in the initial squad, but with Eben on the bench it means we have another specialist in that position in the team.

“We are blessed to have an expanded squad of about 45 players who have all bought into our plans and who understand what’s best for the team, and it’s admirable how Marco accepted the news. It shows the quality of the player and person he is.”

Meanwhile, Erasmus released four Springboks – Steven Kitshoff (prop), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi (both wings) – to their provincial unions on Wednesday afternoon to get game time in the Currie Cup this weekend.

WILL EBEN ETZEBETH MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR SPRINGBOKS?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this Springboks article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

Could pass Bryan Habana

Meanwhile, coach Rassie Erasmus has released four players to their Currie Cup teams to get some valuable game time this weekend.

Etzebeth, who was initially excluded from the Springboks’ match-23 for the first of two Tests against their southern hemisphere arch-rivals due to an injury concern earlier in the week, replaces Marco van Staden on the bench, which offers the team specialist lock cover for the starting combination of Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje.

Should he get game time, the Test will mark Etzebeth’s 125th in the green and gold jersey, which will see him leapfrog Bryan Habana as the second most capped Springbok of all time and take one step closer to Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record of 127 caps.

“Our selection policy has always been that if a player does not train on a Monday he will not play on Saturday, but Eben has made it through training pain-free all week, so we had to make the tough call to name him in the squad at the expense of Marco,” said Erasmus.

“There were back-up options for us at lock in the initial squad, but with Eben on the bench it means we have another specialist in that position in the team.

“We are blessed to have an expanded squad of about 45 players who have all bought into our plans and who understand what’s best for the team, and it’s admirable how Marco accepted the news. It shows the quality of the player and person he is.”

Meanwhile, Erasmus released four players – Steven Kitshoff (prop), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Canan Moodie and Makazole Mapimpi (both wings) – to their provincial unions on Wednesday afternoon to get game time in the Currie Cup this weekend.

Revised Springbok team to face New Zealand

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard

New Zealand

TBA

Pollard has still been a regular member of the matchday 23, but so far in 2024 he has started two Tests and played off the bench in a couple of others.

Against the All Blacks this Saturday he will again form part of the ‘bomb squad’, but it shouldn’t be forgotten that he needs just nine points to overtake Morne Steyn (742 points) and move into second place on the Springbok all-time scorers’ list.

Percy Montgomery leads with 893 points.

Below you can see where Pollard stands in the Springbok record books:

Springbok record against New Zealand:
Played: 106, Won: 40. Lost: 62, Drawn: 4. Points for: 1 741; Points against: 2 196; Tries scored: 168; Tries conceded: 240. Win %: 37.7%.

Miscellaneous:

• Frans Malherbe will extend his number of starts at tighthead prop to 61 Tests, trailing only Tendai Mtawarira (102) and Os du Randt (75).
• The centre pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende will extend their record of playing the most Test matches together in the midfield to 32 (the previous record was held by Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie with 29 Tests).
• Handre Pollard needs one conversion to become only the third Springbok to kick 100 two-pointers after Morne Steyn (102) and Percy Montgomery (153).
• Handre Pollard needs nine points to overtake Morne Steyn (742 points) and move into second place on the Springbok all-time scorers’ list. Percy Montgomery leads with 893 points.
• Should Malcolm Marx score a try he will move to 20 and into tenth equal place on the all-time Springbok try-scoring list with James Small. He is already the leading Springbok forward try scorer.
• Cheslin Kolbe needs four points to reach 100 points in Tests for South Africa.
• Should Kwagga Smith take the field, he will need only four more Test caps to join the club of Springboks with 50 Test caps.
• The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 632.
• There are 255 caps in the backline, with 377 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 286 caps.
• The average caps per player in the backline is 36, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 35.

The knocks have hit the second row particularly hard but Erasmus feels this will provide an opportunity.

Springboks on injury woes

Erasmus has backed Ruan Nortje and Pieter-Steph Du Toit to start at lock in the third Rugby Championship encounter.

Welcoming back Jasper Wiese after his suspension delighted Erasmus.

“It’s not ideal that we have so many injuries at lock, but we are pleased with the way Ruan stood his man in our last match and we are confident that he’ll combine well with Pieter-Steph at lock,” said Erasmus.

“This will serve as a fantastic opportunity for him to prove what he can do against one of the best teams in the world.

“It’s also good to have a player of Jasper’s calibre back and we know that he’ll bring a lot of energy on attack and defence after biding his time to return to the field, and we are looking forward to seeing his physicality combined with the rest of the back row.”

Settled backline is a boon for Springboks

Erasmus believes that the settled backline will also be a boost to the Springboks as they return to home soil.

“We also have a settled backline, and Aphelele made a strong statement against the Wallabies in Perth, so we are excited to see what they have to offer against a heavily attack-orientated All Black backline,” he added.

“We’ve seen what most of these players can do under pressure in Australia, and we’re confident that they’ll want to build on that against the All Blacks.”

Eben Etzebeth

Erasmus revealed that Eben Etzebeth might have been able to play in this round but he felt that they shouldn’t risk a longer layoff.

“Eben may have been ready to play this week if we really needed him, but we feel we will benefit more from selecting a player that is 100% fit, and Salmaan should also be back in selection frame next week after following the return to play protocols,” he went on.

“We’re happy that things will ease significantly for us in that department going into the second Test.”

All Blacks to come out swinging

Erasmus expects the All Blacks to throw everything at his team.

“There is also no doubt they’ll still be hurting from the Rugby World Cup final, and in addition to that they know how important a win will be to square things up and open up the Castle Lager Rugby Championship log,” Erasmus continued.

“They’re a quality team with several players who have an X-factor and they constantly pose a threat to our defence, so we have to start well and be on the top of our game in all departments to try to build on what we have done in the competition so far.

“We’re under no illusions that this will be a completely different challenge to that which Australia posed, and that the next two Tests will require a proper step-up from us, but we are excited to see if we can take our game to the next level and give ourselves the best possible chance to stake a claim for the Castle Lager Rugby Championship for the first time since 2019.

“So, we’ll give our best and hopefully that will place us on the correct side of the scoreboard.”

Can the Springboks beat the All Blacks again?

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Fassi has certainly been in outstanding form this year, but he has only started three Tests at fullback in his career, and there was a general expectation that Willie le Roux’s vast experience would put him in line for the No 15 jersey.

However, Erasmus remains steadfast in his bold selections, and has issued a clear directive to Fassi.

“We are all waiting for Aphelele to do it now,” Erasmus said. “That’s what we’ve told him the whole of last week, ‘do it now, it’s on you! Go and show the people what you can do and why you’re here’.

“Unfortunately with everything, there’s first the real hard graft in a game, before you get to do the beautiful things. So he’s needed to get his technique under the high ball right, not lifting that leg, he’s got that out of his system. Understanding the wings, organising, he’s getting the ropes with that.

“Now I think it’s his time to shine. It’s not easy to shine against New Zealand. But that certainly where you know, ‘am I ready yet or not?’.”

Aphelele Fassi free to fly as Willie’s role changes

Meanwhile, the Springbok coach highlighted that Le Roux’s primary role over the next couple of years will be in a mentorship capacity.

“Willie is somebody who I’ve coached since my Stormers days,” Erasmus said. “He’s at a time in his career where he accepts what his role is in the team.

“He helps the guys to understand how big the Test match is, how we are going to handle this, how you are going to read that flyhalf and when do you have to cover what space. He and Aphelele are close.

“We want to get him to his 100th game. He’s at 96 now. I think he will play another two years. I don’t think he will make another World Cup. If he does, it will be like Stephan Donald.  His role in the team now is to help youngsters and when he plays to help us win.”

How the team will line up on Saturday

Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard.

While Le Roux was named in coach Rassie Erasmus’s squad for this year’s Rugby Championship he was not included in the 23-man squad for Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks at Ellis Park.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

The veteran fullback has made 96th appearances in the green and gold.

Le Roux, is bidding to become only the eighth player to reach the magical three-figure mark for South Africa and the fourth backline player to do so.

His place in the starting XV has been taken by exciting 26-year-old Aphelele Fassi who will be making just his seventh appearance.

Willie le Roux is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner

Le Roux, who was born in Stellenbosch and attended famed Paul Roos Gymnasium, turned 35 on 18 August 2024.

He made his Test debut on 8 June 2013 against Italy at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban and has scored 15 tries to date.

Le Roux has won 65 of his Tests, lost 30 with one other ending in a draw for a win percentage of 67.7%.

He made his provincial debut for Boland Cavaliers and has also represented Griquas, Free State Cheetahs, Sharks and Blue Bulls in South Africa, as well as Wasps (England) and Canon Eagles and Toyota Verblitz (both Japan).

Le Roux is a two-time Rugby World Cup winner having been part of both the 2019 and 2023 Webb Ellis Cup-winning Springbok squads.

TEAMS

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard

New Zealand

TBA

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2024 FIXTURES AND RESULTS

The 2024 tournament will be contested over six rounds, with each country playing six matches – three at home and three away.

All times SA

Round 1 – August 10

Australia 7-33 South Africa, Brisbane

New Zealand 30-38 Argentina, Wellington

Round 2 – August 17

New Zealand 42-10 Argentina, Auckland

Australia 30-12 South Africa, Perth

Round 3 – August 31

South Africa vs New Zealand, Johannesburg – 17:00

Argentina vs Australia, La Plata – 21:00

Round 4 – September 7

South Africa vs New Zealand, Cape Town – 17:00

Argentina vs Australia, Santa Fe – 21:00

Round 5 – September 21

Australia vs New Zealand, Sydney – 07:45

Argentina vs South Africa, Santiago del Estero – 23:00

Round 6 – September 28

New Zealand vs Australia, Wellington – 09:05

South Africa vs Argentina, Mbombela – 17:00

BIO: WILLIE LE ROUX

Below, Springboks to have played 80 or more Tests:

After two incredible renditions of the SA anthem prior to the two mid-year Tests against Ireland, with Keabetswe “KB” Motsilanyane particularly making headlines at Lofuts, there was another superb rendition of  Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika by Jody Williams in the one-off Test against Portugal.

It has now been confirmed to TheSouthAfrican that famed local group, the Mzansi Youth Choir, will be singing the SA national anthem prior to kick off this Saturday at Ellis Park.

The choir shot to fame on the world stage of America’s Got Talent in 2023, and they have performed at various high profile events ever since making it through to the AGT finale.

Ahead of this weekend’s Test at Ellis Park, you can see the choir performing a previous rendition of the national anthem below

Springbok team to face New Zealand in Johannesburg:

15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 15 points (3t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 35 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 73 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 82 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 85 points (17t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 33 points (12c, 3p)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 34 caps, 65 pts (13t)

8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 27 caps, 5 pts (1t)
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points
4 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 45 points (9t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 73 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 72 caps, 70 points (14t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 33 caps, 0 pts

Replacements:

16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 69 caps, 95 points (19t)
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps, 0 points
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 54 caps, 0 points
19 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 22 caps, 10 pts (2t)
20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 0 points
21 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 45 caps, 40 pts (8t)
22 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 13 caps, 10 points (2t)
23 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 73 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)

Stats and facts:

Springbok record against New Zealand:
Played: 106, Won: 40. Lost: 62, Drawn: 4. Points for: 1 741; Points against: 2 196; Tries scored: 168; Tries conceded: 240. Win %: 37.7%.

Miscellaneous:

• The average caps per player in the backline is 36, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 35.
• Frans Malherbe will extend his number of starts at tighthead prop to 61 Tests, trailing only Tendai Mtawarira (102) and Os du Randt (75).
• The centre pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende will extend their record of playing the most Test matches together in the midfield to 32 (the previous record was held by Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie with 29 Tests).
• Handre Pollard needs one conversion to become only the third Springbok to kick 100 two-pointers after Morne Steyn (102) and Percy Montgomery (153).
• Handre Pollard needs nine points to overtake Morne Steyn (742 points) and move into second place on the Springbok all-time scorers’ list. Percy Montgomery leads with 893 points.
• Should Malcolm Marx score a try he will move to 20 and into tenth equal place on the all-time Springbok try-scoring list with James Small. He is already the leading Springbok forward try scorer.
• Cheslin Kolbe needs four points to reach 100 points in Tests for South Africa.
• Should Kwagga Smith take the field, he will need only four more Test caps to join the club of Springboks with 50 Test caps.
• The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 632.
• There are 255 caps in the backline, with 377 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 286 caps.
• The average caps per player in the backline is 36, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 35.

Kick-off is at 17:00 (SA time).

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The top-ranked Springboks will play the third-placed All Blacks in the first of two Tests in South Africa in this year’s Rugby Championship this weekend.

The Springboks have played the All Blacks on 15 previous occasions at Ellis Park and boast nine wins and six defeats.

The most famous Springbok victory at the ground came in the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

The Springboks’ overall record against the All Blacks isn’t as good.

In 106 previous Tests, the All Blacks have won 62, lost 40 while there have been four draws.

Leading South African bookmakers Hollywoodbets have installed the Springboks as overwhelming 1/3 favourites, with New Zealand on offer at 24/10.

The draw after 80 minutes can be backed at 25/1.

In terms of handicap, the Springboks are 7.5-point favourites.

Explainer

Ahead of the Test, the Springboks sit top of the rankings pile with 93.11 points, with New Zealand on 88.71.

A victory by 15 points or fewer for the Springboks will see their points tally grow by 0.26 points. Similarly, a defeat by that margin will see New Zealand’s points total drop by 0.26 points.

A win by 16 or more points for the Springboks will see them gain 0.39 points – and the All Blacks lose a similar tally.

A draw would see South Africa lose 0.74 points, but stay top, while in such a scenario the All Blacks would pick up 0.74 points, but stay third.

However, a win for New Zealand by 15 or fewer points would see them pick up 1.74 points (and the Springboks lose 1 points), and move to eighth place, with the Springboks dropping to second spot.

A victory by 16 or more points for the All Blacks would see them pick up 2.74 points, but again keep them in third place. The Springboks would again slip to second spot.

LATEST WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS

TEAMS

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard

New Zealand

TBA

Your prediction for Saturday?

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The Springboks have made nine changes for this Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks, but on Tuesday, Erasmus admitted there could be another alteration before kick off – and it would be a hugely positive one.

When asked about the absence of powerhouse lock Eben Etzebeth, Erasmus explained that the centurion lock could still be called into the team, at the expense of one of the replacement flanks.

“We announced on Monday morning internally, with Eben out, because our policy is that if you can’ train on a Monday, you can’t play on a Saturday or Sunday,” Erasmus said. “But then Eben goes and does the whole training session on Monday.

“I have to look at how this afternoon goes and then have a chat with all the players tonight. We might make a change, because he might have miraculously recovered, and the doc says there is some science behind that, it’s not just the will to play or the occasion.

“If that’s the case, we will be too happy. It will be very unlucky for one of Marco, Elrigh and Kwagga to be left out. It will be a call between the three of them. We will think clearly and see how Pieter-Steph moves and tonight we will make the call.”

Erasmus explained that Etzebeth had suffered a twisted knee during a live scrumming session, but had avoided tearing any ligaments.

“It’s a meniscus. It’s just from changing one foot to the other in the scrum on his own, it’s not like someone ran onto his knee and he got a tear,” Erasmus said.

“He twisted his knee a little bit in a scrum session. Hopefully the mechanics don’t show big trauma.”

Hear what the Springbok coach had to say below:

How the team will line up:

Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard.

Etzebeth and Habana both have 124th Test appearances in the green and gold.

However, the second-rower will have to wait to inch closer to fellow lock Victor Matfield whose 127 Tests for South Africa is the current record.

Etzebeth wasn’t included in Rassie Erasmus’s 23-man squad for the first Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 August.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

Etzebeth is struggling with both back and knee injuries at present.

It remains to be seen whether he will be passed fit for the second Test between the two nations at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 7 September.

Eben Etzebeth has time on his side

With the Springboks set to play six more Tests in 2024 (after this weekend), assuming he stays injury-free, Etzebeth will assume the mantle of most-capped Springbok before the year is out.

Etzebeth also has time on his side considering he will only turn 33 in late October.

Below, Springboks to have played 80 or more Tests heading into Saturday’s match:

TEAMS

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Marco van Staden, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handre Pollard

New Zealand

TBA

Jasper Wiese is also recalled despite limited game-time after serving a lengthy suspension, while Pieter-Steph du Toit will fill in at No 4 for injured Eben Etzebeth.

“It’s not ideal that we have so many injuries at lock, but we are pleased with the way Ruan stood his man in our last match and we are confident that he’ll combine well with Pieter-Steph at lock,” said Erasmus.

“This will serve as a fantastic opportunity for him to prove what he can do against one of the best teams in the world.

“It’s also good to have a player of Jasper’s calibre back and we know that he’ll bring a lot of energy on attack and defence after biding his time to return to the field, and we are looking forward to seeing his physicality combined with the rest of the back row.

“We also have a settled backline, and Aphelele made a strong statement against the Wallabies in Perth, so we are excited to see what they have to offer against a heavily attack-orientated All Black backline.

The pack shows six changes to the starting line-up that appeared in Perth with a new front row of Ox Nche (promoted from the bench in Perth) and the recall of the rested Frans Malherbe and hooker Bongi Mbonambi.

Pieter-Steph du Toit moves from the side of the scrum to partner Nortje while Wiese is joined in the back row by Bok captain Siya Kolisi and Ben-Jason Dixon, who has recovered from the knee injury that ruled him out of the Perth Test.

In the backline, Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu reunite at halfback, while Erasmus recalled Damian de Allende to partner Jesse Kriel at centre, with Kurt-Lee Arendse also back in the team, linking up with Cheslin Kolbe and Fassi in the back three.

Erasmus’ bench – which features a split of six forwards and two backs – will see Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp and Vincent Koch in the replacement front row, while Elrigh Louw, Marco van Staden and the energetic Kwagga Smith will offer the team solid loose forward cover options.

The two backline players on the bench are Grant Williams and Handre Pollard, who offer an array of options, covering scrumhalf, wing, centre and flyhalf between them.

The squad features 12 players who appeared in the Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand at the Stade de France in Paris in October, as Erasmus’ balanced building squad depth while maintaining some consistency in selection. They are Kolisi, Nche, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Du Toit, Wiese, Arendse, De Allende, Kriel, Kolbe, Smith, and Pollard.

Wiese was deemed match ready, having been training with the team since the beginning of June at the first training camp in Pretoria, while Erasmus opted to give Steven Kitshoff (prop), Canan Moodie (wing), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (lock) more time to adjust to the new structures.

Fassi has retained the No 15 jersey against the All Blacks:

15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 15 points (3t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 35 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 73 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 82 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 85 points (17t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 33 points (12c, 3p)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 34 caps, 65 pts (13t)

8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 27 caps, 5 pts (1t)
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points
4 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 45 points (9t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 73 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 72 caps, 70 points (14t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 33 caps, 0 pts

Miscellaneous stats and facts:

• Frans Malherbe will extend his number of starts at tighthead prop to 61 Tests, trailing only Tendai Mtawarira (102) and Os du Randt (75).
• The centre pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende will extend their record of playing the most Test matches together in the midfield to 32 (the previous record was held by Jean de Villiers and Jaque Fourie with 29 Tests).
• Handre Pollard needs one conversion to become only the third Springbok to kick 100 two-pointers after Morne Steyn (102) and Percy Montgomery (153).
• Handre Pollard needs nine points to overtake Morne Steyn (742 points) and move into second place on the Springbok all-time scorers’ list. Percy Montgomery leads with 893 points.
• Should Malcolm Marx score a try he will move to 20 and into tenth equal place on the all-time Springbok try-scoring list with James Small. He is already the leading Springbok forward try scorer.
• Cheslin Kolbe needs four points to reach 100 points in Tests for South Africa.
• Should Kwagga Smith take the field, he will need only four more Test caps to join the club of Springboks with 50 Test caps.
• The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 632.
• There are 255 caps in the backline, with 377 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 286 caps.
• The average caps per player in the backline is 36, the forwards 47, while the players on the bench average 35.

Erasmus made nine changes to the team that defeated the Wallabies in Perth (30-12), recalling Jasper Wiese from suspension and pairing Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje in the second row as a result of injuries to six other locks for the first of two Tests against the All Blacks in South Africa.

However, there are only three changes to the match day squad that opened the series with a 33-7 victory in Brisbane – and two of those forced by injuries to locks.

Eben Etzebeth (back) and Salmaan Moerat (concussion) miss out from the Brisbane combination while Aphelele Fassi gets the fullback’s jersey in succession to Willie le Roux in the only other change.

The other locks unavailable for selection are RG Snyman (foot), Franco Mostert (broken leg), Lood de Jager (shoulder) and Jean Kleyn (eye and knee).

Handre Pollard will provide back up to Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu on the bench.

Springbok team to face New Zealand, with Sach at 10:

15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 15 points (3t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 35 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 73 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 82 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 19 caps, 85 points (17t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 33 points (12c, 3p)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 34 caps, 65 pts (13t)

8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 27 caps, 5 pts (1t)
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points
4 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 45 points (9t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 73 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 72 caps, 70 points (14t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 33 caps, 0 pts

Replacements:

16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 69 caps, 95 points (19t)
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps, 0 points
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 54 caps, 0 points
19 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 22 caps, 10 pts (2t)
20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 0 points
21 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 45 caps, 40 pts (8t)
22 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 13 caps, 10 points (2t)
23 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 73 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)

Stats and facts:

Springbok record against New Zealand:
Played: 106, Won: 40. Lost: 62, Drawn: 4. Points for: 1 741; Points against: 2 196; Tries scored: 168; Tries conceded: 240. Win %: 37.7%.

Here we look at a handful of stats and facts from rugby’s greatest rivalry

Springboks vs All Blacks: The Stats and facts

South Africa have won each of their last two Test matches against New Zealand, as many as they won across their eight meetings prior to that span (W2D1L5). The last time the Springboks recorded a longer winning run against the All Blacks was a three-match span from July to September in 2009.

Springboks vs All Blacks: In South Africa

New Zealand have won five of their last six Test matches against South Africa in South Africa (L1), including a 35-23 victory when they last met in the country (13 August 2022 in Johannesburg) ; in fact, the Springboks (70%-190/273) and the All Blacks (53%-30/57) have the best overall win-rates of any teams to play more than one Test in the country.

Springboks scoring hot streak

South Africa have won nine of their last 10 Test matches, including each of their last three; the Springboks have scored 30+points in each of their last three games–the last time they recorded a longer such scoring run was a five-match span from June to August in 2017.

All Blacks travel well

New Zealand have won six of their last seven Test matches outside New Zealand, recording an average winning margin of 51 points per game across those six wins; although, the All Blacks’ only defeat in that span was their 11-12 loss against South Africa in the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final.

In the Rugby Championship

South Africa have made 25 attacking 22m entries in The Rugby Championship 2024, 11 more than they’ve conceded(14) – the only team in the tournament with a positive differential; in addition, the Springboks have a gainline success rate of 60%- the best of any team in the campaign.

New Zealand have gained 527 post contact metres in The Rugby Championship 2024, at least 61 more than any other team; in addition,the All Blacks have scored 3.67 points per attacking 22m entry–the most of any team in the campaign.

South Africa duo Kurt-Lee Arendse (3) and Pieter-Steph du Toit(3) have made more line breaks than any other players in The Rugby Championship 2024; in addition, du Toit has gained 98 metres, the most of any forward in the campaign and the fourth most of any player overall (JuanCruzMallia–127, Cheslin Kolbe–110 and Kurt-Lee Arendse –107).

New Zealand trio Mark Tele’a (11), Ardie Savea (9) and Anton Lienert-Brown (6) have made more tackle breaks than any other players in The Rugby Championship 2024.

Eben Etzebeth (South Africa) has won 14 lineouts including one steal in The Rugby Championship 2024, four more than any other player in the competition and one of only three players to have logged double figures in this category (Lukhan Salakaia-Loto–10 for Australia and Harry Wilson –10 for Australia).

Beauden Barrett (New Zealand) has been directly involved in six tries in his last six Test matches (2 tries,4 try assists), including a try in his most recent match against South Africa (28 October 2023).

Springboks vs All Blacks: Results summary

Who will win the first Springboks vs All Blacks Test of 2024?

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World Cup trio Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager are already sidelined with serious injuries, and inexperienced Ruan Nortje and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg are now the only two fit members of the squad.

Nevertheless, Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids said they would view the situation in a creative manner.

“Yes, we have a few injuries amongst our locks, but it’s part of the game and Pieter-Steph (du Toit) and Ruan (Nortje) had good games in our last outing. It’s never nice to lose experience, but this will open up opportunities for other players to put up their hands and show what they can do at the highest level.

“Franco (Mostert), Lood (de Jager) and Jean (Kleyn) are also out and while it may seem like a crisis, we see it as an opportunity to increase our depth at lock and we want the next players to show us what they can do.”

The Springboks returned to the training field on Monday after having Sunday off as they slot back into full Test match mode for their next assignment at Ellis Park.

Below, we take a look at how the Springboks are expected to line up against the All Blacks, with the team set to be officially named on Tuesday.

Springboks (probable): 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handré Pollard.

Springboks squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

Assistant coach Deon Davids made the untimely announcement on Monday that locks RG Snyman and Salmaan Moerat will miss the Test against New Zealand due to knocks.

This brings the Springboks’ over all injury tally to 10 players: Snyman, Moerat, Jean Kleyn, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, Jason Jenkins, Faf de Klerk, Damian Willemse, Evan Roos and Edwill van der Merwe.

A quick glance at that player list will confirm that all of De Klerk, Willemse, Roos and van der Merwe’s playing positions are well covered.

But that the list of injured second rowers is cause for concern, especially since Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth is also in doubt for the Test against the All Blacks.

SPRINGBOKS HIT WITH SECOND ROW CRISIS!

Speaking during the team’s first press conference of the week on Monday afternoon, Davids revealed the depth of the Springboks’ lock dilemma.

“Salmaan will follow the normal protocol for the HIA so unfortunately he will not be available for selection for this game,” the Springboks assistant coach told reporters on Monday.

“We know that Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, and Jean Kleyn are out through injury but at this stage, RG Snyman is out due to a leg (foot) injury unfortunately I cannot go into too much detail but he will be out for a couple of weeks.

“At this time, Eben Etzebeth is also struggling with a bit of a niggle. So that’s also something that we will look at in terms of his availability for this week.”

WHO WILL SOUTH AFRICA FIELD AT LOCK IF THERE’S NO EBEN?

With limited options to choose from, it is most likely that Ruan Nortje will earn a second start for the Springboks after a good performance against the Wallabies and will be partnered by Pieter-Steph du Toit, who’ll shift from his usual position on the side of the scrum to plug the gap in the second row.

“Lucky we have some good depth in terms of guys who have played in those positions like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ruan Nortje had a good game in his last outing,” the Springboks assistant explained.

“We have also got an experienced guy in Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg who we have brought in and we have Ben-Jason Dixon who has also played a few games at lock for the Stormers.

“It will always be tough when you lose so much experience but it is also a great opportunity and an exciting one to see the quality that the next guy [in the Springboks’ ranks] can bring to the squad.”

WHO DO YOU THINK WILL START AT LOCK FOR SOUTH AFRICA?

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Rassie Erasmus and the Springboks will have to make due without a plethora of key players when they take on the All Blacks in the first of two tests.

South Africa hosts New Zealand at Ellis Park in round 3 of The Rugby Championship on Saturday, 31 August 2024. Kick off is at 17:00.

FULL LIST OF SPRINGBOKS RULED OUT OF NEW ZEALAND TEST

• RG Snyman
• Lood de Jager
• Franco Mostert
• Salmaan Moerat
• Jean Kleyn
• Evan Roos
• Faf de Klerk
• Damian Willemse

LOCK CRISIS TO UNLOCK NEW SECOND ROW PAIRING

The Springboks have a total of FIVE locks ruled out. However, Springboks assistant coach Deon Davids is confident that they have the squad depth and players needed to step up.

“Yes, we have a few injuries amongst our locks, but it’s part of the game and Pieter-Steph (du Toit) and Ruan (Nortje) had good games in our last outing. It’s never nice to lose experience, but this will open up opportunities for other players to put up their hands and show what they can do at the highest level,”

“Franco (Mostert), Lood (de Jager) and Jean (Kleyn) are also out and while it may seem like a crisis, we see it as an opportunity to increase our depth at lock and we want the next players to show us what they can do” he stated on SARugby.

Additionally, Bok lock and enforcer, Eben “Elizabedi” Etzebeth is now an injury concern too, as reported on The South African. Moreover, RG Snyman (leg) and Salmaan Moerat are both unavailable for selection in the first test between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park.

BOK VETERANS SIDELINED FOR DURATION OF THE RUGBY CHAMOIONSHI

Lood de Jager (shoulder), Franco Mostert (broken leg) and Faf de Klerk (thigh) as well as Jean Kleyn are all sidelined with injuries. Meanwhile, Evan Roos underwent shoulder surgery for a persisting niggle that he has battled with for several seasons.

Thankfully, Willemse is on his way back from his injury (fingers) having posted pictures of himself training on his Instagram.

DO YOU THINK THE SPRINGBOKS HAVE ENOUGH DEPTH TO BEAT THE ALL BLACKS AT ELLIS PARK?

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Prior to the start of the Rugby Championship, World Cup trio Jean Kleyn, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager were already sidelined with serious injuries.

At the worst possible time, fellow locks RG Snyman (foot) and Salmaan Moerat (concussion) have been ruled out of this Saturday’s Test, while Eben Etzebeth is also a doubt due to injury.

This leaves inexperienced Ruan Nortje and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg as the only two fit members of the squad.

Pieter-Steph du Toit is now likely to fill in at No 5, while Ben-Jason Dixon could be considered at No 4.

“Salmaan went off with an HIA, so unfortunately he won’t be available for selection,” Davids said at a press conference, as quoted by SuperSport.com.

“Unfortunately we have an injury list when it comes to our locks. We know that guys like Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert and Jean Kleyn are out. At this point in time RG Snyman is also unavailable due to a leg injury and I can’t go into detail but it looks like he will be out for a couple of weeks.

“At this point in time Eben Etzebeth is also a doubt with a bit of a niggle. It is also something we will look at in terms of his availability. Lucky we have some good depth, guys who have played in those positions like Pieter-Steph and Ruan Nortje, and Nicolaas who we brought in. We also have Ben-Jason who can play there.

“It is always tough when you lose players with experience but it is also a great opportunity for those players to see the quality of what the next guy can bring to the squad.”

Springboks squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Andrew Brace will referee the Springboks’ first Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 August.

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00.

Brace will be assisted by England’s Matthew Carley and Australia’s Jordan Way, while Ireland’s Brian MacNeice will be on TMO duty.

South Africa have a decent record when being officiated by Brace having won three of the four Tests the 36-year-old has taken charge of.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALS

WHO WILL WIN SATURDAY’S TEST?

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Springboks are hosting the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday, in a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

South Africa are currently top of the Rugby Championship log with two bonus-point wins from their opening two Tests against the Wallabies, while the All Blacks are in second place courtesy of their single victory from two outings against Argentina.

Considering both teams’ form coming into this clash, the Springboks are favourites to win this encounter against the underdog All Blacks.

But the odds could well be a bit more balanced now following confirmation that Rassie Erasmus’ side have a mini-crisis at lock.

According to Springbok assistant coach Deon Davids, RG Snyman (foot) and Salmaan Moerat (concussion) have been ruled out of Saturday’s showdown, and the coaching staff after sweating over the availability of Springbok enforcer Eben Etzebeth, who is also struggling with an injury.

SPRINGBOKS VS ALL ALL BLACKS: STATS AND FACTS

In the 106 Tests between these nations, the Springboks have won 40, lost 62 and drawn four for a 38% win rate. Additionally, South Africa have scored 1741 points and 168 tries, while conceding 2196 points and 240 tries. 

As for recent history, the Springboks were victorious in the last two Tests in this fixture – the Qatar Cup match at Twickenham and the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris. A win at Ellis Park this week, will see South Africa notch up a record-equalling third straight over the All Blacks, which was set in 2009.

That said, the All Blacks seem to have the Springboks’ measure at Ellis Park. The New Zealand are currently on a hot streak at the renowned venue, winning three of the last four Tests there, dating back to 2013. 

WILL SOUTH AFRICA WIN WITHOUT EBEN ETZEBETH?

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Revamped PRASA Park Station Mall

Rugby fans will be able to board the Gautrain and ride to Park Station, cross over to the revamped PRASA Park Station Mall, grab something to eat at any one of the food outlets, and then board the train to the game on Saturday, 31 August. 

“The train ride from Park Station in the Johannesburg CBD [central business district] to Ellis Park Station is three minutes. What we are doing for the game is to illustrate how different elements of public transport can and should work together,” Creecy said.

PRASA and the Gautrain Management Agency, working together with the City of Johannesburg and the Rugby Union at Emirates Park Stadium, decided to throw their weight behind this international event to ensure a hassle-free, safe transport solution for the fans who want to use the train. 

The event is also supported by the Gauteng Provincial Government, as the host province.

Critical role that rail plays

Rugby fans will be able to board the Gautrain at any of the seven stations between Hatfield and Park Stations (Hatfield, Pretoria, Centurion, Midrand, Marlboro, Sandton and Rosebank) or any of the five stations between OR Tambo International Airport and Park Stations (OR Tambo, Rhodesfield, Marlboro, Sandton, Rosebank) – of course changing trains at Sandton Station.

Emphasising the critical role that rail plays in the daily lives of South Africans, the Minister said the Department of Transport will forge closer links between provinces and municipalities to ensure that people can go to work or school, or a rugby or football match, using public transport.

“Our government, across the national, provincial and local spheres, must work together to design and build sustainable cities with integrated transport systems which will assist in growing our country’s economy and which is ultimately for the benefit of our citizens. 

“The proposed expansion of the Gautrain network, further north and south, is a clear example of our intention to further integrate our public transport system to achieve sustainable cities that work for our people,” the Minister said.

Hollywoodbets have marked up the Springboks as 1/3 favourites to triumph at Ellis Park on Saturday, 31 August.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks can be backed at 24/10, with the draw after 80 minutes on offer at 25/1.

In terms of handicap, the Springboks are seen to be 8.5-point favourites.

Springboks have beaten the All Blacks nine times at Ellis Park

The Springboks currently top the 2024 Rugby Championship standings with a full-house of 10 points after two bonus-point wins over Australia Down Under.

Rassie Erasmus’s men won 33-7 in Brisbane and followed that up with a 30-12 victory in Perth.

The All Blacks, meanwhile, lost their opener against Argentina in Wellington 38-20, before rebounding to pick up a bonus-point win at their Eden Park fortress, 42-10.

It was the 50th consecutive match without defeat for the All Blacks in Auckland.

As exclusively reported by The South African website, the Springboks and All Blacks have played 17 Tests in Johannesburg in their long history, 15 of which have taken place at Ellis Park.

The other two – which both resulted in wins for New Zealand – took place at the FNB Stadium.

The Springboks have won nine of the Tests at Ellis Park and lost six.

South Africa’s most memorable win over the All Blacks in Johannesburg came in the final of the Rugby World Cup in 1995.

The Springboks and All Blacks will clash for a second time at the Cape Town Stadium in the Mother City of Saturday, 7 September.

That match will also kick off at 17:00.

Have the bookies got their odds correct?

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White of course oversaw the iconic 2007 World Cup triumph, which was the obvious highlight of his four-year tenure, while Erasmus led the Springboks to back-to-back titles in 2019 and 2023.

Since last year’s World Cup, Erasmus has moved permanently back into a role as head coach of the Springboks.

Meanwhile, White remains at the helm of the Bulls, having enjoyed remarkable success since joining the Pretoria-based franchise in 2020.

Talented Springbok newcomer Elrigh Louw is obviously coached by White at domestic level, and he has interestingly revealed that there is a clear difference in styles between him and Erasmus.

“I don’t think I will upset anyone with this but I think Rassie is more hands-on type of guy,” the back-rower said on The Good, The Bad and The Rugby South Africa podcast.

“He gets involved in training, running around kicking balls, getting in between rucks, and simulating the opposition.

“While Jake is more of a delegator, or facilitator so he gets his coaches underneath him to buy into his vision and where he wants to go.”

You can see the full interview with the Springbok star below:

Braced for battle against the All Blacks

Louw is expected to retain his place at No 8 for the upcoming Tests against the All Blacks, with Erasmus confirming they will continue to back the next generation of players.

“We are also excited to see what some of the young players can do in these two Tests if they get a run after making a strong impression on the coaches so far this season,” he commented.

“Similarly to the coaches, they are fully aware that this will be a new challenge in intense matches between two of the biggest rivals in world rugby, but the experienced they gained by facing in Australia in two tough Test matches overseas – one of which was in extreme weather conditions – will set them in good stead going into this series.”

The Rugby Championship is back after a one-week break in play and the action kicks off with a delicious encounter between the high-flying Springboks and a New Zealand side dead set on re-establishing their status as the best team in the world after a difficult few months in the Test arena.

On the back of their World up final win over the All Blacks, the Springboks have accumulated wins over Ireland, Wales, Portugal and Australia (twice) this season.

By contrast, the All Blacks clinched a series win over England and beat Fiji once, but they slumped to an opening round Rugby Championship defeat against Argentina before beating Los Pumas the following week to at least keep their impressive unbeaten streak at Eden Park in tact.

SPRINGBOKS VS ALL ALL BLACKS: STATS AND FACTS

In the 106 Tests between these nations, the Springboks have won 40, lost 62 and drawn four for a 38% win rate. Additionally, South Africa have scored 1741 points and 168 tries, while conceding 2196 points and 240 tries.

As for recent history, the Springboks were victorious in the last two Tests in this fixture – the Qatar Cup match at Twickenham and the 2023 Rugby World Cup final in Paris. A win at Ellis Park this week, will see South Africa notch up a record-equalling third straight over the All Blacks, which was set in 2009.

That said, the All Blacks seem to have the Springboks’ measure at Ellis Park. The New Zealand are currently on a hot streak at the renowned venue, winning three of the last four Tests there, dating back to 2013.

SOUTH AFRICA AND NEW ZEALAND’S RIVALRY: ADDITIONAL INFO

WHO WILL WIN SATURDAY’S SPRINGBOKS VS ALL BLACKS TEST?

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After going head-to-head at Ellis Park this weekend, the Springboks and All Blacks will then face off in Cape Town on 7 September.

Amid the build up to these epic clashes, Sport, Arts and Culture Minister Gayton McKenzie claimed that the Springbok matches against the All Blacks would air on SABC.

“I’ve got very good news. I met with SuperSport and I am happy to tell you that you will be able to watch the Springboks and New Zealand game even if you do not have a decoder,” McKenzie said.

However, it then appeared that he may have spoken too soon, with SuperSport refuting an agreement had been reached just yet.

“Contrary to news reports, at this stage, SuperSport has not concluded agreements with any broadcaster for the Rugby Championship matches, including the Springboks-All Blacks matches.

“SuperSport will bring the Springboks-All Blacks matches live to DStv viewers,” the broadcaster said in statement released on Friday evening. 

Still hope for Springboks’ games to be on SABC

Despite some believing that McKenzie had been caught in a lie, he subsequently suggested that everything was clear, and seemingly set to be resolved before the weekend.

“Nobody lied here. We know the terms and expectation from the rights holder for us to make this available; we intend to fully meet those expectations in the interest of the nation,” he said on X (formerly Twitter)

“This is not a normal game; this is the anniversary of the most important rugby game. Lets talk in a week.” 

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed by SA Rugby that the Springboks’ matchday 23 for this Saturday’s blockbuster Test will be named at midday on Tuesday.

SA squad for the Rugby Championship Tests:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

A fair bit has changed over the last nine months since these teams met in the 2023 World Cup final, with both sides making new head coach appointments, while there are several new players in the mix.

This certainly rings true at the Springboks, where Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has enjoyed a meteoric rise, while another ‘newcomer’ Gerhard Steenekamp is interestingly expected to start at loosehead prop this weekend.

Meanwhile, with the Springboks contending with an injury crisis at lock, Pieter-Steph du Toit is now set to continue to stand in at No 5, a position he primarily played when he first progressed onto the senior stage. This could see Ben-Jason Dixon continue at blindside flank, with Elrigh Louw most likely retaining the No 8 jersey.

Below, we take a look at how the Springboks are expected to line up against the All Blacks, with the team set to be officially named on Tuesday.

Springboks: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Ben-Jason Dixon, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Kwagga Smith, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Handré Pollard.

It has been confirmed by SA Rugby that the Springboks’ matchday 23 for this blockbuster Test will be named at midday on Tuesday.

Springboks squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

Meanwhile, Ireland’s Andrew Brace will referee the Springboks’ first Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 August.

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00.

Brace will be assisted by England’s Matthew Carley and Australia’s Jordan Way, while Ireland’s Brian MacNeice will be on TMO duty.

South Africa have a decent record when being officiated by Brace having won three of the four Tests the 36-year-old has taken charge of.

RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALS

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is expected to retain the No 10 jersey, starting alongside veteran scrumhalf Cobus Reinach.

Interestingly, it’s reported that Gerhard Steenekamp could start ahead of Ox Nche at loosehead prop, while Pieter-Steph du Toit may potentially fill the No 5 role again, with Ben-Jason Dixon at blindside flank.

It has been confirmed by SA Rugby that the Springboks’ matchday 23 for this blockbuster Test will be named at midday on Tuesday.

Springboks squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

NZ squad:

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell

Props: Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams, George Bower

Locks: Scott Barrett (captain) Sam Darry, Josh Lord, Tupou Vaa’i

Loose forwards: Ethan Blackadder, Sam Cane, Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson, Dalton Papali’i, Ardie Savea, Wallace Sititi

Scrumhalves: Noah Hotham, TJ Perenara, Cortez Ratima

Flyhalves: Beauden Barrett, Damian McKenzie

Centres: Jordie Barrett, David Havili, Rieko Ioane, Anton Lienert-Brown, Billy Proctor

Wingers: Caleb Clarke, Will Jordan, Sevu Reece, Mark Tele’a

Fullbacks: Ruben Love, Harry Plummer

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00.

The second Test will take place a week later at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town, also at 17:00.

After two matches in this year’s tournament, the Springboks lead the way after two bonus-point away victories over Australia.

Rassie Erasmus has increased squad size

Meanwhile, the All Blacks lie second after a defeat and win at home against Argentina.

As reported by The South African website, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has included three Rugby World Cup winners in the national squad for the first time this year as he welcomes back Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) and Canan Moodie (utility back) from injury for the Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand.

Erasmus has also recalled Jasper Wiese (No 8), Andre Esterhuizen (centre) – both RWC winners in 2023 – and Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (lock) when the 37-man squad assemble in Johannesburg on Thursday.

Erasmus has opted to increase the squad from 33 players to 37 for the two sold-out Tests against their archrivals, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (31 August) and the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town a week later (7 September).

With locks Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager and Jean Kleyn still on the injured list, Janse van Rensburg, who played his first and only Test match against Argentina in Port Elizabeth in 2021, earned his first call-up back to the national squad.

Rassie Erasmus’s squad features 31 of the 33 players who travelled to Australia for their two opening Rugby Championship Tests against the Wallabies in Brisbane and Perth, where they collected a full house of points for the first time in history on tour.

Those results also marked the first time since 1998 that the Boks registered back-to-back victories on a tour to Australasia.

With Hendrikse back from injury and Jan-Hendrik Wessels equally adept at prop and hooker, Morne van den Berg and Johan Grobbelaar were excluded from the group for these two Tests, although they will remain on standby along with the other players included in Erasmus’s initial 45-man group in the event of injuries.

In contention

Kitshoff (knee), Hendrikse (shoulder) and Moodie (finger) have all recovered fully from their respective injuries and have played in the Currie Cup, while Wiese and Esterhuizen are back in contention for selection for the first Test against the All Blacks following suspensions.

Apart from Mostert, De Jager and Kleyn, the other players ruled out of contention for selection due to injury are Evan Roos (No 8), Herschel Jantjies and Faf de Klerk (both scrumhaves).

“New Zealand are ranked third in the world, and they always test us to the limit,” said Rassie Erasmus.

“We also saw last week what they can do under pressure when they defeated Argentina 42-10 after going down in their first Test against the Pumas.

“We know these two tests will provide a completely different challenge to what we’ve faced against an Australian team that is still finding their feet with a new coach and a bunch of young players coming through the ranks.”

Squad depth

Erasmus added: “It’s good to have Steven, Jaden and Canan back from injury, along with Jasper and Andre. They are all Rugby World Cup winners, who have delivered quality performances consistently against the top teams in the world, so they’ll bring experience and their unique skillsets to this squad.

“As a team we are in a good position in terms of squad depth with 32 of the 33 players on tour playing against the Wallabies – the only exception was RG Snyman who suffered a foot niggle – and we have full faith in the young players to showcase their talent once again against a completely different opponent in New Zealand.

“Adding to that, all these players, with the exception of Nicolaas, were members of our training squad in Pretoria in July and our alignment camps earlier in the year, and they’ve have been regular members of the squad in the last few years, so they understand our systems and should slot in with ease.

“Nicolaas has had a good season with Montpellier and is a capped Springbok, so we are excited to welcome him back into the fold.”

Foot niggle

Rassie Erasmus delivered good news saying Snyman should be available for selection for the opening Test against the All Blacks after having two weeks to recover from the foot niggle he picked up at a training session in Brisbane.

“RG should be able to train with us this week again and, if that’s the case, he will be in contention for selection for the Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg,” said Erasmus.

“We are also excited to see what some of the young players can do in these two Tests if they get a run after making a strong impression on the coaches so far this season.

“Similarly to the coaches, they are fully aware that this will be a new challenge in intense matches between two of the biggest rivals in world rugby, but the experienced they gained by facing in Australia in two tough Test matches overseas – one of which was in extreme weather conditions – will set them in good stead going into this series.”

Commenting on the decision to select Wessels as his third-choice hooker, Erasmus said: “Jan-Hendrik a versatile player who enjoys playing both prop and hooker and we also have Marco van Staden who can slot into the middle of the front row if needed, hence we opted against selecting another hooker.

“That said we have drawn up an extensive list of standby players who could slot in at any time if we suffer injuries.”

Springboks wrap up against Argentina

Casting an eye on the Tests against New Zealand, Rassie Erasmus said: “They are one of the best teams in the world and they tend to deliver top drawer performances against us time and time again, so we have to be charged up physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.

“It’s good that we are facing them at home in front of our passionate supporters in sold-out stadiums, although they have a strong support base in Cape Town, so we are under no illusions about what lies ahead.

“That said, it’s vital for us to continue building on the momentum that we gained in our first two games.

“We are currently at the top of the Rugby Championship table, but one result can change that, so we realise the importance of giving everything in these matches to keep alive our hopes of winning the title for the first time since 2019.”

The Springboks arrived back in South Africa in two groups on Monday and Tuesday.

After the All Blacks Tests, they will wrap up the Rugby Championship with a short tour to Argentina where they will line up against Los Pumas in Santiago on 21 September before returning to Nelspruit for their last match of the tournament at the Mbombela Stadium on 28 September.

Springbok squad for the New Zealand leg of the Rugby Championship:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls)

Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier)

Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers)

Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)

Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers)

Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles)

Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls)

SPRINGBOK STAR’S SHOCK MOVE EXPLAINED

According to Sunday newspaper Rapport, the Bulls have given Arendse approval up to make a short-term move to the Mitsubishi Dynaboars to boost his salary.

Arendse, who has been with the Bulls since 2020, is expected to be back at the Bulls after the Rugby Championship, but will leave for Japan in December.

The 28-year-old will play in Japan’s League One from December until May and will return to Pretoria in time for the Vodacom URC playoffs. Arendse is still contracted with the Bulls until 2026.

The Bulls will open their campaign on 20 September with a north-south derby against the Stormers in Cape Town. The URC playoffs are scheduled to take place on the weekend of 30 May.

Arendse’s move is similar to the one granted to Lukhanyo Am by the Sharks, when the Springbok centre played six games for Kobe Steelers in 2022.

IS THIS A GOOD OR A BAD MOVE BY KURT-LEE ARENDSE?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this Springbok article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.

You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

Van Der Merwe, Morne van den Berg, Ruan Venter, Quan Horn and Jordan Hendrikse all earned call-ups thanks to their efforts for the side that calls Ellis Park home.

Lions in the hunt for Springbok places

The Lions didn’t get a look-in during the previous World Cup cycle in a lowpoint for a proud union.

“I think probably the number one thing is it will probably inspire our teammates more to know that the Bok coaches are looking at the Lions,” Van Der Merwe said as per the Citizen.

“I think for a long time there might have been a perception that they’re not really looking at the Lions. So now from the Lions group there’s five guys who came through this season, which is quite special.

“I think there’s a big responsibility on us as players to take what we’ve learned at the Springboks back to the Lions and help the (other) guys also achieve their dream of playing for the Springboks, to uplift them and support them in achieving their dream.”

Trickle down learnings

Van der Merwe hopes to put what he has learned with the Springboks to good use at the Lions.

“I learnt to challenge myself a lot more, I thought I was working hard but being in the Springbok environment, the high-performance environment, I now know what is required of me as a wing,” said Van Der Merwe.

“I feel I have a huge responsibility to take what I have learnt at the Springboks back to the Lions and try to create more Springbok teammates from the Lions.”

He added that the Lions are an upbeat group thanks to a competitive showing in the Currie Cup which sees them in second place overall.

“The feeling in the squad is very good and positive. Some of the younger guys are getting opportunities and are grabbing them with both hands, which is the most important thing for the Lions,” Van Der Merwe said.

“The way they are playing is making people proud to be Lions supporters and hopefully they can continue and bring some silverware back to the union.”

Can the Lions win the Currie Cup?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

When it comes to the Springboks’ plan to expand their overall depth this season, coach Rassie Erasmus has happily mixed and matched in selection, and he hasn’t been afraid to make some bold and brave calls.

That is reportedly set to continue, with Sunday newspaper Rapport suggesting that ‘newcomer’ Gerhard Steenekamp is expected to start ahead of Ox Nche for the first Test against the All Blacks.

Nche will return to the ‘bomb squad’, while fit-again Steven Kitshoff is not expected to be part of the matchday 23 just yet.

Springboks also have a big call to make at 10 for the All Blacks Tests

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has effectively leapfrogged his way into a promising position after impressing in his first few Springbok appearances, with Erasmus entrusting him with two starts at flyhalf in the recent back-to-back Tests against Australia.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu certainly looked the part in the Rugby Championship opener in Brisbane, but he was less dominant in wet weather conditions in Perth this past weekend, although the Springboks still did more than enough to come away with a comfortable victory.

Yet, it still begs the questions, who will start at 10 for the Springboks against the All Blacks?

It would be a massive call to entrust Feinberg-Mngomezulu with such a responsibility, although who could ever forget how Pollard produced one of the all-time great performances against the All Blacks back in 2014, when he was just 20 years old and starting just his sixth Test at flyhalf.

According to the latest report, Erasmus will boldly opt to stick with the 22-year-old at 10, while handing experienced Cobus Reinach the No 9 jersey.

Who do you think the Springboks should play at flyhalf against the All Blacks? Let us know by leaving a comment at the end of this article.

Braced for battle

The Springboks regrouped on Thursday to begin preparing for next week’s first Test against New Zealand.

Casting an eye on the Tests against New Zealand, Erasmus said: “They are one of the best teams in the world and they tend to deliver top drawer performances against us time and time again, so we have to be charged up physically and mentally for the challenge ahead.

“It’s good that we are facing them at home in front of our passionate supporters in sold-out stadiums, although they have a strong support base in Cape Town, so we are under no illusions about what lies ahead.

“That said, it’s vital for us to continue building on the momentum that we gained in our first two games.

“We are currently at the top of the Rugby Championship table, but one result can change that, so we realise the importance of giving everything in these matches to keep alive our hopes of winning the title for the first time since 2019.”

Squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

Following in his footsteps, it’s believed that former Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones – who was a central figure at last year’s World Cup – has now also quit his role as England’s defence coach with immediate effect.

According to a report from The Times in the UK, Jones has resigned less than a year after joining Steve Borthwick’s coaching staff, having been part of just one Six Nations campaign and the tour of New Zealand, where the All Blacks narrowly beat the visitors in both Tests.

Jones played an integral part in the Springboks’ back-to-back World Cup triumphs

It will be interesting to see whether the Springboks could look to lure Jones back into their system now that he is leaving England.

Meanwhile, after Walters left his job as England’s head of strength and conditioning, he immediately joined Ireland in a similar role.

Walters joined Rassie Erasmus’ Springboks as head of athletic performance in 2019 and played an influential role in transforming South Africa into one of the fittest teams at the Japan-based World Cup.

But he didn’t stick around for long. After winning a World Cup medal with the Springboks, Walters signed for the Leicester Tigers in 2020 and in 2023 he became part of England’s backroom staff during Eddie Jones’ reign as head coach.

Earlier this year, both the Rugby Football Union (RFU) and Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) confirmed in separate statements that the Welshman has joined Ireland’s coaching staff from England.

ENGLAND’S LOSS IS IRELAND’S GAIN

Commenting on his move, Walters said: “I am delighted to join the Ireland Men’s team and am excited about the opportunity to work with such a talented group of coaches and players.

“The Ireland team has gone from strength to strength in recent years and it’s an exciting time to rejoin Irish rugby as the team looks to achieve more success in the years to come.

“I’ve made some great memories coaching England, and I want to thank Steve, the management team and the players for their friendship and support. I wish the squad every success for the future.”

In a rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, the Springboks will host the All Blacks in a Rugby Championship encounter at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 31 August, followed by another showdown between the sides at Cape Town Stadium in the Mother City on 7 September.

Based on the two teams’ form and recent prestige, the two looming instalments in what is arguably the greatest rivalry in all of sport, have sparked great excitement among fans. And McKenzie added hope to further fuel the excitement of those who do not have the SuperSport pay TV service when he said the Tests will be on SABC.

MCKENZIE SPARKS HOPES: AGREEMENT REACHED

McKenzie was speaking at the presidential imbizo in Ekurhuleni on Friday when he made the stunning claim that an agreement has been reached between SuperSport and SABC.

“I’ve got very good news. I met with SuperSport and I am happy to tell you that you will be able to watch the Springboks and New Zealand game, even if you do not have a decoder.”

NO DEAL: DID SUPERSPORT OUT MCKENZIE AS A LIAR?

But SuperSport immediately refuted McKenzie’s claims in strongly worded statement.

“Contrary to news reports, at this stage, SuperSport has not concluded agreements with any broadcaster for the Rugby Championship matches, including the Springboks-All Blacks matches,” read the statement.

“SuperSport will bring the Springboks-All Blacks matches live to DStv viewers,” it concluded.

When pressed on whether he lied about the so-called deal, McKenzie doubled down on his initial statement.

“Nobody lied here, we know the terms and expectation from the right holder for us to make this available, we intent to fully meet those expectations in the interest of the nation. This is not a normal game, this is the anniversary of the most important rugby game. Let talk in a week,” he wrote on X.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick singled the pair out for special praise as the team returned to training in Johannesburg this week.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Aphelele Fassi headline positives

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been a revelation off the bench and starting at 10. Meanwhile Fassi has been brilliant under the high ball and showed terrific attacking flair.

“The one thing I enjoyed (from the tour) was the young guys that came through and their excitement when they received opportunities to play,” said Stick.

“If you look at a young guy like Sacha (Feinberg-Mngomezulu) and Aphelele Fassi and they way they are maturing in those positions, it’s great for the team.

“Of course they’ll make mistakes now and then, but as long as one learns from those mistakes it makes you a better player.

“A couple of the players grabbed their opportunities with both hands and that’s great for us as coaches to build our squad depth and to create more competition in the different positions. It’s going to be a different challenge playing against the All Blacks, but these are the moments we live for, and we’ll make sure we prepare well.”

In a good space

Stick asserts that the team is in a good state mentally and physically after their tour and he is confident that with two extra days of training before the All Black Tests will be a boost.

“As a team we are in a good space at the moment,” said Stick. “We had two or three days off with our families and we are now back in camp. This means we have two extra days to work with the players which will allow us to implement a few things.

“It’s similar to what we did before the Australian leg, and it helped a lot. One can see the guys are fresh and the energy in the group is great.”

While the Springboks are delighted with their Rugby Championship start they are not taking their eye off the All Blacks.

“If you had asked us at the beginning of the season if we thought it was possible to get 10 points against Australia at home, we would have probably said you are joking because it’s always tough against them down under,” said Stick.

“But we’ll take those results. It was very positive for us as a team, but we are now facing a different challenge.

“The All Blacks have been one of the best teams for a while now and it showed in how they bounced back against Argentina after losing their first game.

“On a good day they can be very dangerous, so the keys for us are to prepare well, ensure that we are aligned as a team, and to execute our game plan well because if you are not at your best on the day against the All Blacks they can punish you.”

Will the Springboks win the Rugby Championship?

Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or by emailing info@thesouthafrican.com or sending a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. You can also follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest news.

De Bruin is targeting breakthrough efforts from the team at the next World Cup.

New Springbok coach sets the tone

“It is great to be back with SA Rugby after being involved in with the Junior Springboks and Springboks in the past and I cannot wait to start their Rugby World Cup journey with the Springbok Women,” said De Bruin.

“This is also an opportunity for me to live my other passion, being a performance lead to other coaches, something I have been involved with in the last five years.”

As they set out to prepare for WXV 2 and the Women’s RWC, De Bruin was pleased with the counsel he got from his coaching team, which included Laurian Johannes-Haupt, Bafana Nhleko, and Franzel September.

“We are playing five matches in the next two months, and we had to hit the ground running, so it is good that there are good foundations in place and there is no need to re-invent the wheel,” De Bruin said.

“I was impressed by what I heard from Franzel and Laurian in our first week together, while my relationship with Bafana started a long time ago at the Lions, where he won national titles at age group level and I know we will all work well together, as was clear after our first couple of days in camp.”

Time to prepare

The purpose of the Gqeberha camp is to synchronise rugby tactics and game plans with their recently hired coaching team, which is led by De Bruin.

In order to prepare the Springbok Women for their upcoming tasks, which include a warm-up match against the Barbarians Women on September 7 and a Test match against Spain on September 19, De Bruin, Nhleko (backline and defence), September (lineouts), and Johannes-Haupt (scrums) have begun to work diligently to shape the team into a competitive unit.

This is in preparation for WXV 2, which will also see the team play Japan on September 27, Australia on October 5, and Italy on October 12.

Springbok Women training squad

Xoliswa Khuzwayo (Golden Lions), Aphiwe Ngwevu, Eloise Webb, Nombuyekezo Mdliki (all Border Ladies), Roseline Botes, Luchell Hanekom, Nolusindiso Booi, Shaunique Hess, Azisa Mkiva, Sinazo Mcatshuwa, Nomsa Mokwai (all DHL Western Province), Mary Zulu, Tayla Kinsey, Amanda Ndlovu, Nobuhle Mjwara, Vanessa Holmes (all Sharks), Maceala Samboya, Felicia Jacobs, Chuma Qawe, Nompumelelo Mathe, Nomawethu Mabenge, Aseza Hele, Veroeshka Grain (all Sanlam Boland Dames), Babalwa Latsha, Danelle Lochner (Harlequins), Catha Jacobs (Leicester Tigers), Lindelwa Gwala (Ealing Traifinders), Sinelitha Noxeke, Sizophila Solontsi, Byrhandre Dolf, Yonela Ngxingolo, Micke Gunter, Chumisa Qawe, Libbie Janse van Rensburg, Ayanda Malinga, Maria Tshiremba, Zintle Mpupha, Sanelisiwe Charlie, Jakkie Cilliers, Vainah Ubisi, Anathi Qolo, Unam Tose, Rumandi Potgieter (all Bulls Daisies), Nadine Roos (unattached).

Can the Springbok women match the men’s team for success in the near future?

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Rassie Erasmus’ charges are preparing for two sold out Tests against their archrivals at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (31 August) and the DHL Stadium in Cape Town a week later (7 September).

With locks Franco Mostert, Lood de Jager and Jean Kleyn still on the injured list, Erasmus is at least set to receive one major boost as RG Snyman is expected to be available for selection after missing the two most recent Tests against Australia.

“RG should be able to train with us this week again and, if that’s the case, he will be in contention for selection for the Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg,” said Erasmus.

“We are also excited to see what some of the young players can do in these two Tests if they get a run after making a strong impression on the coaches so far this season.

“Similarly to the coaches, they are fully aware that this will be a new challenge in intense matches between two of the biggest rivals in world rugby, but the experienced they gained by facing in Australia in two tough Test matches overseas – one of which was in extreme weather conditions – will set them in good stead going into this series.”

Springboks’ squad has been bolstered elsewhere

Erasmus opted to increase the Springbok squad from 33 players to 37, welcoming back Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jaden Hendrikse (scrumhalf) and Canan Moodie (utility back) from injury, while also recalling Jasper Wiese (No 8) and Andre Esterhuizen (centre).

“New Zealand are ranked third in the world, and they always test us to the limit,” said Erasmus. “We also saw last week what they can do under pressure when they defeated Argentina 42-10 after going down in their first Test against the Pumas.

“We know these two tests will provide a completely different challenge to what we’ve faced against an Australian team that is still finding their feet with a new coach and a bunch of young players coming through the ranks.

“We are currently at the top of the Rugby Championship table, but one result can change that, so we realise the importance of giving everything in these matches to keep alive our hopes of winning the title for the first time since 2019.”

Squad for the Rugby Championship Tests against New Zealand:

Props: Thomas du Toit (Bath), Steven Kitshoff (Stormers), Vincent Koch (Sharks), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Ox Nche (Sharks), Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels (both Bulls).
Hookers: Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Sharks).
Locks: Eben Etzebeth (Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), RG Snyman (Leinster), Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier).
Loose forwards: Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers).
Scrumhalves: Jaden Hendrikse (Sharks), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Grant Williams (Sharks).
Flyhalves: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Manie Libbok (both Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers).
Centres: Lukhanyo Am (Sharks), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Andre Esterhuizen (Sharks), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles).
Outside backs: Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Aphelele Fassi (Sharks), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Sharks), Canan Moodie (Bulls).

This is according to RugbyPass report, which reveals that discussions have stalled as Racing owner Jacky Lorenzetti demands a full repayment of the R17 million (€726,200) spent to sign Kolisi from the Durbanites in early 2023.

THE BACK STORY

Kolisi, who has been with Racing for less than a year, made 18 appearances last season but has faced sharp criticism from Lorenzetti. After Racing’s Top 14 playoff loss to Bordeaux, Lorenzetti accused the Springbok captain of being “out of shape and invisible”.

Despite their soured relationship, Lorenzetti is believed to be refusing to release the 33-year-old Kolisi unless the Sharks meet his financial demands in full.

While the South African franchise are looking to stagger the payment over two to three years, Lorenzetti is understood to have rejected the proposal outright.

If the stalemate persists, two-time World Cup winner Kolisi could find himself back in Paris after the Rugby Championship, despite his desire to return to Mzansi.

WILL SIYA KOLISI RETURN TO SOUTH AFRICA OR NOT?

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Besides an illustrious Test career that included a British & Irish Lions series win, he also became a domestic cult hero at the Bulls, Stormers and Toulon.

Since retiring, Habana has achieved incredible success as both a broadcaster and in the business world, while naturally remaining an avid Springbok supporter.

Earlier this month, he made a classy social media post as he reacted to the news that Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth would equal his tally of 124 Test caps during the Rugby Championship opener against Australia.

In that post, Habana stated his belief that Etzebeth would in fact go on to become the first Springbok to reach 150 caps, but this was met with a spiteful response from a social media user with the handle ‘Duffman’.

“But he (Etzebeth) did it on merit, fighting against a quota system you benefitted from,” the social media troll commented. “Sorry but if you get selected while there is literally a quota system in place and a transformation policy in place then you are a beneficiary of that racist policy. Select players on MERIT! Not their skin colour.”

Habana responded diplomatically, stating: “And what do you then call players selected during the apartheid era when players of colour weren’t allowed to be selected @Duffman96918426? Because some of them probably weren’t selected purely based on MERIT but because of a system that favoured ONLY them,” he added with a winking face emoji.

This led to a wider response, with another social media user commenting: “Ok, that there has been players included in the Boks that shouldn’t have been, bc of quotas? Yes, for sure. Bryan Habana is not one of them. With 67 tries over his 124 test caps, Bryan is one of the best wings the world ever saw. Period. Show some respect.”

Duffman then commented: “Doesn’t matter how many tries you score when it was under a racist policy that discriminates against another race,” before another X (formerly Twitter) user went one step further, posting this nasty comment: “While he tries to push revenge politics that discriminate against my people? I’d spit in his face.”

Despite all of this, Habana once again demonstrated the maturity and temperament that made him such a great player.

“I wasn’t pushing any sort of revenge politics or discriminating against “your people” @donaghy_ross…” he commented. “I’m proudly South African and played for ALL South Africans when I had the privilege to represent OUR country… Resorting to spitting in people’s face is so classy though.”

You can see the exchange involving Bryan Habana below:

Stay classy

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As exclusively reported by The South African website, the Springboks will be officiated by six different referees in their six Rugby Championship matches in 2024.

The world champion Springboks began their campaign with a resounding 33-7 win over Australia at the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane, with England’s Luke Pearce in charge of that encounter.

The two sides then did battle once again in Perth last Saturday where New Zealand’s Paul Williams had the whistle at the Optus Stadium.

The Springboks won that clash 30-12.

Brace will referee the Springboks’ first Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 August.

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00.

Brace will be assisted by England’s Matthew Carley and Australia’s Jordan Way, while Ireland’s Brian MacNeice will be on TMO duty.

South Africa have a decent record when being officiated by Brace having won three of the four Tests the 36-year-old has taken charge of.

Meanwhile, Matt Carley (England) will take charge of the Springboks’ second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday, 7 September.

Finally, England’s Christophe Ridley, who makes his debut in the tournament this season, will officiate the match between the Springboks and Argentina in Santiago (21 September), while Ben O’Keeffe (New Zealand) will be the man in the middle in the team’s closing match of the tournament against Los Pumas at the Mbombela Stadium in Mbombela (28 September).

For the full list of Rugby Championship appointments click here

No South African referees

As reported by The South African website, the absence of any South African referees in this year’s Rugby Championship was the big talking point when World Rugby announced the officials for this year’s tournament.

The 12 matches will be refereed by four England referees, three from New Zealand and one each from Australia, Italy, Ireland, France and Georgia.

In addition, there were no appointments for South Africans as assistant referees either.

The only South African who will be in action will be Marius Jonker who will be on TMO duty in two matches (neither featuring the Springboks of course).

SPRINGBOK RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP OFFICIALS

SPRINGBOK SQUAD FOR THE RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP 2024

FORWARDS

Ben-Jason Dixon (Stormers), Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz), Thomas du Toit (Bath), Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls), Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Siya Kolisi (captain – Racing 92), Elrigh Louw (Bulls), Frans Malherbe (Stormers), Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears), Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Salmaan Moerat (Stormers), Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Ruan Nortje (Bulls), Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs), RG Snyman (Leinster), Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls), Marco van Staden (Bulls), Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Bulls)

BACKS

Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls), Damian de Allende (Wild Knights), Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers), Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath), Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles), Willie le Roux (Bulls), Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks), Manie Libbok (Stormers), Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers), Cobus Reinach (Montpellier), Morne van den Berg (Lions), Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks)