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?

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

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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 match kicks off at 17:00 on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport, with the broadcast build up beginning at 16:00.

The Springboks have been boosted by the availability of Eben Etzebeth for this clash, while the All Blacks have also been bolstered as Scott Barrett returns to captain a side that also sees Sam Cane named at openside in what will be his first start since the Rugby World Cup final.

HOW THE SPRINGBOKS AND ALL BLACKS WILL LINE UP

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%

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.

All Blacks won on last visit to Ellis Park

Cane was named at openside flank for the Test at Ellis Park on Saturday, his first start for New Zealand since he was shown a red card in the Rugby World Cup final defeat to the Springboks last October.

“Sam has been incredible off the field for us. It’s an opportunity for him to be that Test veteran we need with that experience and calmness,” All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson told reporters.

The 32-year-old Cane replaces Dalton Papali’i, who is sidelined by a thumb injury.

Barrett will captain the All Blacks having missed the two recent home Tests against Argentina with a finger injury.

New Zealand won on their last visit to Ellis Park when flyhalf Richie Mo’unga kicked 15 points to seal a 35-23 win in 2022.

“Ellis Park is an iconic ground, with the whole experience you want as many players as you can who have experienced it before,” Robertson said.

“There will be some tough moments out there. They know what it takes.”

South Africa and New Zealand will meet again in Cape Town on September 7.

South Africa lead the championship table after back-to-back wins over the Wallabies in Australia.

New Zealand are second following a win and a defeat in their home Tests against Argentina.

South Africa have included fit-again Eben Etzebeth on the bench as a late call-up. The veteran lock had initially been left out of the matchday squad with a minor back injury.

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus says double World Cup winner Etzebeth has recovered fully and will provide cover off the bench at lock.

Flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit will start in the second row for South Africa due to an injury crisis in that position.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

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.

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?

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.

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

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

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

The 22-year-old flyhalf has earned just six caps for the Boks but has been impressive so far in his early career. Erasmus has put faith in the DHL Stormers star ahead of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign against New Zealand at the Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg.

Speaking ahead of Saturday’s match, Rassie said Sacha was ready to play arguably his biggest game in the Springbok colours. When asked if he was throwing the flyhalf into the deep end, Erasmus explained his decision to play him and compared his situation to that of ex-Boks star Gaffie du Toit.

“I think the only guy I remember wasn’t shielded was maybe Gaffie du Toit. I played with him in a Test match and he was thrown in there in Dunedin or somewhere in Auckland against an All Black team.”

“Sacha is not the same,” Rassie told the media. “Sacha was marked in the under-15 systems, under-16 systems. He played for the SA schools If I’m right, he was captain of the junior Boks. He played under-20 rugby at the highest level.”

Rassie said that the young Boks star even trained with the Boks last year during their end-year tour.

Rassie backs Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to shine against All Blacks

“Now he is playing his eight cap now(sixth cap). So we’ve been building him up from Wales, Romania(Portugal), Australia and up like that and to now take it away from him at this highest level will be stupid. Let him make some mistakes and learn,” Rassie said about Sacha.

How good has Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu been for the Boks?

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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?

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.

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:

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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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

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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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.

The bitter rivals will clash at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 31 August and then for a second time a week later at the Cape Town Stadium in Cape Town.

Both matches will kick off at 17:00.

Setbacks

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

The All Blacks were seen enjoying a leg-loosener after their flight from New Zealand, before getting down to serious business ahead of the weekend.

The All Blacks suffered three setbacks ahead of their trip to South Africa with lock Patrick Tuipulotu, fullback Stephen Perofeta and prop Ethan de Groot all missing out due to injuries.

In addition, the squad was hit by the shock resignation of assistant coach Leon MacDonald.

On paper it’s one of the weakest-looking All Blacks squads to ever visit South Africa, with it coming as no surprise that leading South African bookmakers have installed Rassie Erasmus’s Springboks as overwhelming favourites for the first Test.

As reported by The South African website, the Springboks and All Blacks have clashed on 15 previous occasions at Ellis Park, with South Africa having won nine of those matches and lost six.

In the 106 previous Tests between the two nations, the All Blacks hold the advantage having won 62, lost 40 while four matches have ended in stalemates.

Revised All Blacks 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

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)

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?

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 rugby news.

With the one-point loss in the Rugby World Cup final still hanging over them the All Blacks will want blood.

Top of the table heading into these encounters, the Springboks will be favourites for these clashes.

Springboks expect All Blacks response

However, Rassie Erasmus is not willing to write off the Springboks’ greatest rivals.

The record between the sides speaks for itself.

“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.

“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 Castle Lager Rugby Championship table, but one result can change that, so we realise the importa

Squad refreshed

The Springboks welcome back injured stars Jaden Hendrikse, Steven Kitshoff and Canan Moodie and have made a surprising recall of one-cap Bok Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg.

Jasper Wiese and Andre Esterhuizen also link up with the group.

“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,” Erasmus added.

“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.”

Can the All Blacks 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.

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 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.

At the time, it was stated that influential prop Ethan de Groot (neck) had been clear to tour, but on Friday New Zealand Rugby released a statement to confirm that he too had been ruled out of action.

The 26-year-old, who started against the Springboks at the 2023 World Cup final in Paris, will be replaced by 32-year-old Crusader George Bower.

All Blacks 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

Braced for battle

Casting an eye on the Tests against New Zealand, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus said: “The All Blacks 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).

STATE OF THE ALL BLACKS: EXPLAINED

The All Blacks are currently second on the Rugby Championship log behind the Springboks, as a direct result of their shock opening round defeat to Argentina in Wellington a fortnight ago, while the Springboks claimed back-to-back bonus point wins over Australia. 

But the Kiwis will look to make up lost ground on the log during their tour to South Africa for back-to-back Rugby Championship Tests against the Springboks, to be played at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on 31 August and Cape Town Stadium in the Mother City on 7 September respectively.

Unfortunately, their best laid plans have hit a snag, with the shock resignation of attack coach Leon MacDonald, who is believed to that been in conflict with head coach Scott Robertson.

Assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact kills coach Tamati Ellison will take on additional responsibilities for the remainder of the season.

As if that wasn’t bad enough to cause disruption and disunity in the team, the All Blacks have now lost prop Ethan de Groot before they even touched down in South Africa.

De Groot was initially named in the All Blacks’ touring party, but it has now been confirmed he’ll take no part in the series against the Springboks due to injury.

“Ethan de Groot has been ruled out of the two Tests against South Africa due to a neck injury and will continue his rehabilitation in New Zealand,” read the official statement by the All Blacks.

“George Bower will join the squad as injury.”

NEW ZEALAND ISSUE IMPORTANT INJURY UPDATE

The Boks emerged 12-11 winners over their rivals New Zealand at the Stade de France. The two teams will face off against each other for the first time since the final with the All Blacks looking to avenge their loss. The three-time World Cup champions come into the match following a convincing 42-10 win over Argentina last weekend.

When are the Springboks playing the All Blacks?

The Boks will play their third Rugby Championship against New Zealand at Ellis Park Stadium on Saturday(31 August). The two teams will face off the next weekend against at the Cape Town Stadium. Currently, South Africa leads the championship with 10 points having won two in two against Australia.

Although the Springboks are somewhat favourites, coach Rassie Erasmus expects the All Blacks to test his team to the limit.

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

Boks to take on All Backs back-to-back

“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,” Erasmus said as per SA Rugby.

The Boks face arguably their biggest test since winning the Rugby World Cup final last year. Although the team played Ireland twice, the Springboks v All Blacks match always seemed to be bigger than any other rugby match.

Boks v All Blacks kick-off at 17:00 next Saturday, who’s winning?

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

Discussions between All Blacks head coach Scott Robertson and MacDonald on their working approach have been taking place for several weeks, with the pair agreeing to mutually part ways.

Assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact kills coach Tamati Ellison will take on additional responsibilities for the remainder of the season.

The All Blacks are currently second on the Rugby Championship log behind the Springboks, as a direct result of their shock opening round defeat to Argentina in Wellington a fortnight ago, while the Springboks claimed back-to-back bonus point wins over Australia.

IS THIS THE BEST DECISION FOR THE TEAM?

NZR Head of Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said latest course of action was taken in the best interest of the team.

“You’ve got two great coaches who have been having some robust but constructive discussions on the approach to drive the All Blacks over a period of time now. Ultimately, they have made a brave decision that they believe is best for the team.

“Leon is a highly regarded coach and has made a huge contribution to rugby across a number of teams in New Zealand, and we’d love to have him back in our system in the future. For now, I’d like to thank him on behalf of NZR and wish him all the very best.”

TURMOIL IN THE ALL BLACKS SQUAD?

On his part, Robertson admitted there was conflict between him and MacDonald.

“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now,” the All Blacks boss said. “As coaches we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working. Leon and I both care deeply about the All Blacks and we believe we’ve made a decision that’s best for this team.

“There’s a huge amount of respect and appreciation for Leon in the group and the work he’s put in to get us to this point in our journey.

“As a team, the All Blacks have acknowledged that contribution and our focus now needs to be on South Africa, it’s going to be two tough Test matches over there.” 

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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)

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Robertson and MacDonald mutually agreed to part ways after discussions about their working approach, New Zealand Rugby said.

“Leon and I have been having some honest conversations with each other for a little while now. As coaches, we have differing views and both agreed it wasn’t working,” Robertson said in a statement.

MacDonald left after just five games under Robertson, who took charge of the All Blacks this year following erratic results under predecessor Ian Foster.

‘Hasn’t quite clicked’

Robertson told reporters in Auckland that the differences quickly become obvious to both parties.

“Over the period of time since we started coaching together, we just feel like it hasn’t quite clicked,” Robertson added.

“We haven’t lined up where we need to on the rugby side of it.”

The All Blacks boss said the pair differed on their “philosophy on rugby”, but refused to divulge details of the split.

“There was no intent to get to the point where we are now, but we just believe for both of us, as for the All Blacks group, is to make the call now.

“We never thought it would get to this point – but it has.”

Robertson said he discussed the matter with the players after the decision was made.

All Blacks will play in Johannesburg and Cape Town

New Zealand’s tour of South Africa will be the first time the teams have met since the Springboks beat the All Blacks 12-11 in last year’s World Cup final, Foster’s final game in charge.

MacDonald leaves the All Blacks as they prepare to fly to South Africa for Tests against the world champions in Johannesburg on August 31 and Cape Town on September 7.

“Leon’s a good man and a good coach. Sometimes things just don’t click,” Robertson added.

“There’s a huge amount of respect and appreciation for Leon in the group and the work he’s put in to get us to this point in our journey.

“As a team we have acknowledged that contribution and our focus now needs to be on South Africa, it’s going to be two tough Test matches over there.”

MacDonald’s duties will be taken over by assistant coach Scott Hansen and contact skills coach Tamati Ellison, New Zealand Rugby said.

Defending champions New Zealand are second in the Rugby Championship table behind South Africa.

The All Blacks enjoyed a win and suffered a shock defeat to Argentina in two recent home Tests against Los Pumas. South Africa are unbeaten after back-to-back away wins against Australia.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

The pair are out of the Tests against the Springboks in Johannesburg on August 31 and Cape Town on September 7.

They will remain in New Zealand for treatment, the All Blacks said in a statement. Both players have calf injuries.

Tuipulotu and Perofeta had already sat out last Saturday’s 42-10 thrashing of Argentina in Auckland and the previous weekend’s shock defeat to the Pumas in Wellington.

Waikato Chiefs lock Josh Lord and Auckland Blues back Harry Plummer will stay with the squad as cover for the injured pair.

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett has recovered from the finger injury which ruled him out of both games against Argentina.

Prop Ethan de Groot (neck) and loose forward Luke Jacobson (hamstring) have also got over knocks to make the tour.

All Blacks squad:

Hookers: Asafo Aumua, Codie Taylor, George Bell

Props: Ethan De Groot, Tyrel Lomax, Fletcher Newell, Pasilio Tosi, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Tamaiti Williams

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

Top of the table heading into these encounters, the Springboks will be favourites for these clashes.

Springboks to be tested

However, Rassie Erasmus is not willing to write off the Springboks’ greatest rivals.

The record between the sides speaks for itself.

“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.

“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 Castle Lager Rugby Championship table, but one result can change that, so we realise the importa

Squad refreshed

The Springboks welcome back injured stars Jaden Hendrikse, Steven Kitshoff and Canan Moodie and have made a surprising recall of one-cap Bok Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg.

Jasper Wiese and Andre Esterhuizen also link up with the group.

“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,” Erasmus added.

“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.”

Will the Springboks win the Rugby Championship

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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.

Rassie Erasmus has increased squad size

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)

Kick-off is at 17:00.

Springboks have never beaten All Blacks at FNB Stadium

The Test at Ellis Park will be the 16th at the famed venue, while the sides have squared off twice previously at FNB Stadium.

Of the 15 previous encounters at Ellis Park, the Springboks have won nine and lost six.

South Africa have lost both the matches played at FNB Stadium (in 2010 and 2012) and have lost three of the last four Tests played since then at Ellis Park.

The Springboks were unbeaten in four Tests against New Zealand at Ellis Park between 1949 and 1976 – their longest win-streak against their fiercest rivals.

South Africa’s most memorable win over New Zealand at Ellis Park came in the final of the 1995 Rugby World Cup.

Referee

The Springboks’ biggest margin of defeat against the All Blacks in 2022 when they lost by 12 points (35-23).

South Africa’s biggest win over New Zealand is 14 points, when they won 40-26 in 2004 under Jake White in that year’s Tri-Nations when Marius Joubert scored a hat-trick of tries.

As reported by The South African website, the Test at Ellis Park later this month will be refereed by Ireland’s Andrew Brace.

Brace has never previously officiated a Test between South Africa and New Zealand, nor has he been in charge of a match at Ellis Park.

Final score predictions for the Springboks vs All Blacks match?

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

The two sides then did battle once again in Perth on Saturday, 17 August where New Zealand’s Paul Williams had the whistle at the Optus Stadium.

The Springboks won that clash 30-12.

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.

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)

The world champion Springboks proved too good for Australia, winning 30-12 in Perth, while the All Blacks prevailed 42-10 against Argentina in Auckland.

South Africa picked up another full-house of five log points for their victory, while New Zealand did likewise with their win.

Neither the Wallabies nor Pumas could muster a log point.

As reported by The South African website, the Springboks’ win had no impact on the World Rugby rankings.

However, New Zealand picked up 0.34 log points for their victory, but remained in third place.

Argentina lost 0.34 log points, but remained in sixth place in the standings.

The tournament will be on a break next weekend.

The Springboks will host the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in their next match on Saturday, 31 August at 17:00, while Argentina will welcome Australia to La Plata on Sunday, 1 September at midnight (SA time).

TOP 20 IN THE LATEST WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS

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Barrett missed Saturday’s thumping 42-10 win over Argentina in Auckland and last weekend’s shock defeat to the Pumas in Wellington with a finger injury, but All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said the lock is fit to tour South Africa.

“He’ll strap the pinky up and go at it,” Robertson told reporters in Auckland.

“Look, he’s important. He’s a big body and that is what you need over there. It’ll be good to have him back on the field.”

All Blacks and Springboks to clash in Joburg and Cape Town

The All Blacks face the Springboks in Johannesburg, then Cape Town, in back-to-back championship games on August 31 and September 7.

Robertson was less certain about the fitness of lock Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), loose forward Luke Jacobson (hamstring) and prop Ethan de Groot (neck), who are all carrying knocks.

“We’ll make a call by Wednesday who is travelling to South Africa,” the All Blacks boss added.

Robertson described the two-Test tour as an “awesome challenge” against a South Africa side coming off two bonus-point wins over the Wallabies in Australia.

The Johannesburg match between New Zealand and South Africa will be the first time the teams have met since the Springboks beat the All Blacks 12-11 in the World Cup final last October in Paris.

“We get a wee break, get excited about the next challenge,” said Robertson.

“These Test tours don’t come around that often, especially the Jo’burg, Cape Town combo.

“It’s always good to get on tour, with a bit of an old school feel around it.”

‘Vast improvement’

Robertson was buoyed by the vast improvement of his side who scored five unanswered first-half tries against the Pumas to open up a 35-3 lead in Auckland.

Argentina next host Australia in two Tests and coach Felipe Contepomi conceded his team are still searching for consistency.

It was the third time in five years they’d upset New Zealand, only to lose heavily in the return match shortly afterwards.

“There’s frustration because we knew what was coming, we knew they were going to be direct, physical and the collision was going to be there,” Contepomi said.

“But unfortunately again we weren’t good enough the following weekend after beating the All Blacks.

“It’s a tough, rocky road but hopefully we’ll get there.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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The two-time reigning world champions scored the game’s only four tries in their 30-12 victory in front of 58 197 fans at Perth’s Optus Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa made 10 changes after a 33-7 triumph last week in Brisbane, but their depth of talent and firepower off the bench crushed a gritty Wallabies in wet conditions.

‘Pleased with the win’ – Rassie Erasmus

“We have always struggled against Australia,” said Erasmus as South Africa won four straight matches against the Wallabies for the first time since their readmission to international rugby in 1992.

“We are always pleased with a win, and to get two bonus-point wins over here and the fact that all 33 players on tour played was fantastic.

“There were a few more tries that we could have scored, so it could have been a bigger winning margin, but we are pleased with earning five points two weeks in a row.”

Heavy rain lashed the ground as several players were forced off with head injuries amid a ferocious contest.

Australia suffered the brunt of the casualties, but South Africa did lose stand-in captain Salmaan Moerat early in the game after he copped a knee to his head.

“(Moerat) will go through (concussion) protocols… we do have a week off, so don’t foresee him missing the next game,” Erasmus said.

The Springboks will next host two Tests against a rejuvenated All Blacks, starting with a clash in Johannesburg on August 31.

It will be the first time the powerhouses meet since last year’s tense World Cup final when South Africa defended their title with a 12-11 victory.

New Zealand back in form

After a shock loss to Argentina in Wellington last week, New Zealand exacted revenge and returned to form on Saturday with a 42-10 thumping win at their Eden Park fortress.

“We saw how New Zealand turned things around after last week’s result, so we know the challenge that awaits us… it will certainly require another step up,” said Rassie Erasmus.

“With all due respect to Australia, they are in a rebuilding phase and (new coach) Joe Schmidt is also still finding his feet, so the next two Tests will be tougher.

“We are facing them at altitude in Johannesburg and then in Cape Town where they enjoy playing, so we are excited about what will be almost a mini-series against them.”

Meanwhile, Australia counted the cost from a gruelling clash after their front row was decimated by head injuries to captain Allan Alaalatoa, Angus Bell and James Slipper.

Inside centre Hunter Paisami and hooker Josh Nasser also suffered leg injuries.

“I’ve been involved in coaching over 100 Test matches and I’ve never seen that (injuries in quick succession) before,” said Schmidt, whose record as Australia coach fell to 3-2.

The winless Wallabies face the tough task of travelling to Argentina for back-to-back matches.

“It doesn’t get easier going to Argentina next,” Schmidt said.

“They’ll be disappointed with their first-half (against New Zealand), but they demonstrated how tough they can be to beat when they toppled the All Blacks.

“They won’t be taking it easy on us, and we’ll try to make it difficult for them.”

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

South Africa move five points clear at the top after New Zealand got one back in their double header with Argentina.

New Zealand jump up from third to second off the back of the results this weekend. They are one point ahead of Argentina who picked up four last weekend with their win in Wellington.

Australia are yet to get on the board in the Rugby Championship.

Rugby Championship standings

South Africa came through a tough test in tricky conditions to maintain a perfect start to the Rugby Championship.

They had a 11-9 lead at the break and bar a fourth Aussie penalty goal, the South Africans never allowed the home side a look-in before pulling away in the second half.

The Springboks scored one try in the first half and three in the second – all from driving mauls. They prevented the Wallabies from crossing their line, which means they’ve conceded only one try in 160 minutes of Test rugby Down Under in the last two weeks.

However, it was far from a classic Test match.

The dreadful weather and slippery underfoot conditions made handling tough and the fact that the Springboks were forced into uncontested scrums early in the second half certainly benefitted the home side.

The Springboks would probably have preferred “real” scrums and will lament losing captain Salmaan Moerat in the opening stanza due to a head-knock, while also blowing a number of scoring opportunities.

Springboks driven by desire

But overall, it was a job done, as voiced by Moerat’s replacement, Eben Etzebeth, who also took over the captaincy when he came on.

“We wanted this win, it does not happen that often that you get two in a row in Australia,” said Etzebeth afterwards.

“We will take a lot of positives from this win, also as we started with 10 changes from the Brisbane game and those players would have gained valuable experience as well.”

The match started the best way possible for Australia. The Boks spilled the kick-off and a minute later, Johan Grobbelaar conceded a penalty which Noah Lolesio landed from 30m out, directly in front, which gave the hosts a 3-0 lead at Optus Stadium.

The wet and slippery conditions affected both sides, but the Boks looked to cope better in the opening 20 minutes. They managed to put some attacks together, but sadly wasted two great scoring opportunities shortly after each other.

In the end forward power made all the difference and the Springboks powered away to the top of the Rugby Championship standings.

Who will win the Rugby Championship?

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Rassie Erasmus’s men won 30-12 after leading 11-9 at half-time.

The Springboks opened their Rugby Championship campaign with a resounding 33-7 victory in Brisbane last weekend.

Springboks top of World Rugby rankings

With their win, the Springboks remained top of the World Rugby rankings, as well as the Rugby Championship log.

After next weekend off, the Springboks will host the All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in their next Rugby Championship assignment on Saturday, 31 August.

Kick-off is at 17:00.

Meanwhile, the All Blacks bounced back from an opening round 38-20 loss to Argentina to win 42-10 earlier in the day at Eden Park in Auckland.

TEAMS

Australia

15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell

Substitutes: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handre Pollard

Makazole Mapimpi put the ball to boot before Fassi’s pace and great hands made the difference.

Watch: Aphelele Fassi scores stunning try

Match facts

Springbok team to face Australia in Perth:

15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 5 caps, 10 points (2t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 34 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 72 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 – Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 36 caps, 35 pts (7t)
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 43 caps, 150 points (30t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 5 caps, 25 points (11c, 1p)
9 – Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions) – 1 cap, O points

8 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 0 points
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 80 caps, 45 points (9t)
6 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 21 caps, 5 pts (1t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 0 points
4 – Salmaan Moerat (captain, DHL Stormers) – 8 caps, 0 points 
3 – Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 19 caps, 0 pts
2 – Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 0 points
1 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 5 points (1t)

Replacements:

16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 68 caps, 85 points (17t)
17 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 32 caps, 0 pts
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 53 caps, 0 points
19 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 123 caps, 30 points (6t)
20 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 44 caps, 40 pts (8t)
21 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 12 caps, 10 points (2t)
22 – Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) – 15 caps, 91 pts (1t, 28c, 10p)
23 – Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 72 caps, 732 points (7t, 98c, 162p, 5dg)

Stats and facts:

Springbok record against Australia:

Played 94; Won 51; Lost 40; Drawn 3; Points for: 1 893, Points against: 1 660; Tries scored 223, Tries conceded 171; Highest score 61-22 (Pretoria, 1997); Biggest win 45 points (53-8, Johannesburg 2008). Win % 54.2%.

Miscellaneous:

• Should Eben Etzebeth take the field it will mark his 124^th Test, which will see him equal with Bryan Habana in second place and three caps short from equalling Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record (127).
• Should Kwagga Smith take the field, he will need only five more Test caps to join the club of Springboks with 50 Test caps.
• Morne van den Berg, Ruan Nortje, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar will earn only their second Test caps in the match.
• Should the Springboks win, it will be the first time they have won four successive tests against the Wallabies in more than half a century (they won seven matches in a row against Australia between 1969 and 1971).
• A win for the Springboks would be their third in succession against the Wallabies in Australia – the first time that feat would have been achieved since winning four in a row between 1971 (3) and the return from isolation in 1993 (1).
• The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 332.
• There are 196 caps in the backline, with 136 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 419 caps.
• The average caps per player in the backline is 28, the forwards 17, while the players on the bench average 52.

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Flyhalf Damian McKenzie scored 17 points as the All Blacks defied wet conditions in Auckland in a skilled attacking display to maintain their 30-year unbeaten record at Eden Park.

All Blacks forwards dominated

It was a vast improvement on the 38-30 loss in Wellington last week, with an explosive first-half performance pushing the hosts 35-3 ahead through five converted tries.

It was built on a dominant display from the forwards, who heeded the call for “redemption” by coach Scott Robertson after they were outplayed last week.

“We said all week about looking at ourselves in the mirror. For the All Blacks, we have to bring that every week,” New Zealand captain Ardie Savea said.

“We can’t rely on a loss to get that response.

“It was about playing in the right areas of the field. I thought Damian and ‘Baz’ (fullback Beauden Barrett) controlled the game really well and allowed us forwards to roll up our sleeves and get to work.”

Argentina’s scrum was overpowered and they weren’t the same force at the breakdown in a performance punctuated by mistakes.

Lone try

Their lone try came late in the match to fullback Juan Cruz Mallia, with tighter defence from the visitors levelling the second-half score at 7-7.

Pumas captain Julian Montoya, who missed the first Test through injury, said his side was outclassed.

“We weren’t good enough this week. We need to try to be consistent, week in, week out and we didn’t do it,” he said.

“We made a lot of mistakes, we need to be better. Congratulations to the All Blacks. They were quality today.”

It was New Zealand’s best performance under first-year coach Robertson in his fifth match in charge.

New Zealand have now won their past 50 Tests in Auckland since their last defeat there against France in 1994.

McKenzie landed all six conversion attempts and his general play was superior to the first Test, mixing an astute long kicking game with some clever chips to counter the Pumas.

He also opened the scoring with a try after pouncing on a chip from Jordie Barrett.

All Blacks next face the Springboks

Santiago Carreras responded with a Pumas penalty goal before Savea powered over for his 27th Test try, lifting him level with former skipper Richie McCaw for the most by an All Blacks forward.

Wingers Jordan and Caleb Clarke were both put into space for tries, Jordan capitalising on a blindside break from scrumhalf TJ Perenara.

McKenzie’s sweetly timed pass put Barrett across just before the interval.

Jordan continued the rout soon after the break, lifting him to 33 tries in as many Tests in his first starting appearance since last year’s World Cup.

The game entered a lull before Mallia’s try and a late yellow card was shown to All Blacks hooker Asafo Aumua for a high tackle.

New Zealand’s next two Rugby Championship Tests are against the world champion Springboks in South Africa, while Argentina will host Australia in two Tests.

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

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Etzebeth, who started on the bench, came on for his 124th Test in the green and gold shortly before the 20th minute mark after Salmaan Moerat was forced to undergo an HIA test.

Etzebeth also inched closer to fellow lock Victor Matfield whose 127 Tests for South Africa is the current record.

Eben Etzebeth has time on his side

With the Springboks set to play eight more Tests in 2024, 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 prior to kick-off in Perth:

TEAMS

Australia

15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell

Substitutes: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handre Pollard

Hooper says that the Springboks are clearly building depth and will still present a great challenge.

Wallabies legend speaks on selection

Springbok captain Salmaan Moerat and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick stressed the importance of producing a ‘desperate performance’ against the Wallabies in Perth.

“I thought the team was exceptional last week,” said Moerat.

“Everyone bought into the plan, and they were desperate, and we are determined to back it up this weekend.

“Australia will be desperate to turn things around, and we are well aware of that, so our challenge will be to be equally as desperate, if not more desperate on Saturday.”

Response from the pack

Moerat also expects a vastly improved performance from the Wallabies’ pack.

“They’ll be desperate to rectify things from last week, and they have a forward pack that has a lot of pride in their scrum and set pieces,” said Moerat.

“Angus Bell (Wallaby prop) is a quality player, along with several other of their forwards, so we are expecting a massive battle. From our side, the guys are excited and ready to go.”

Springboks ready for Wallabies backlash

Stick noted that the Wallabies will be ready to fire.

“It’s important for us to keep improving, and if we can win two out of two here in Australia, it will be special,” Stick said.

“That said, if we don’t pitch up with a desperate mindset it could be a long day for us. This is a big occasion for both teams, and the side that arrives there mentally and physically ready, will probably take it on the day.

“Our main goal is always to win games, and that’s something we don’t take for granted,” said Stick.

“We are also trying to transform the team, and we have 33 players here, who have all been working hard for their opportunity. So, I’m excited to see the young guys like Morne (van den Berg) and a few others receive an opportunity, while players like Lukhanyo (Am) have the done the job before.

“As coaches we trust all the players here and we are thrilled to see them get a chance to prove themselves.

“We believe in these guys to lift their hands and to give the coaches the answers they are looking for before the New Zealand Tests, so we are excited to see what they dish up.”

Will the Wallabies bounce back?

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Kick-off is at 11:55 (SA time).

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Australia were thrashed 33-7 last week in Brisbane and left shell-shocked by the heft of the world champion Springboks, who particularly dominated at the scrum.

Loads of rain forecast for Perth

It was a reality check after Australia had won three straight matches against Wales and Georgia to kick-start new coach Joe Schmidt’s tenure.

With thunderstorms and up to 40mm (1.6 inches) of rain forecast on Saturday, an uncompromising match is expected at Optus Stadium as attention focuses on Australia’s battle of strength with the renowned bulk of South Africa.

“Something that the boys are ready for,” Alaalatoa told reporters in Perth.

“Some of our boys, it was the first time playing them last week. (They’ll) understand that feeling and understand where we need to be better.

“It’s a great challenge, it was a tough learning for us after last weekend. We didn’t execute the plan that we wanted, and technically we need to be better.”

Australia made five changes for the match, with powerful winger Marika Koroibete to play his first Test since last year’s World Cup, while loosehead prop Angus Bell returns from a foot injury.

“He’s (Bell) a big body. We all know the talent that he is,” Alaalatoa said.

“It’s awesome to have him back. He’s gone through a tough time in his rehab, but he’s trained really hard.”

Wallabies will face revamped Springbok side

The Wallabies will face a revamped South Africa, who made 10 changes, with only backs Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, and forwards Elrigh Louw and Pieter-Steph du Toit retaining their starting places.

Regular skipper Siya Kolisi has been rested, with lock Salmaan Moerat captaining the team for the second time.

South Africa has prioritised rotating players and building depth ahead of the subsequent four Tests in the Rugby Championship against New Zealand and Argentina.

Coach Rassie Erasmus also has an eye towards the next World Cup in 2027 held in Australia.

But South Africa will still boast 14 World Cup-winning players for their first ever Test at the 60,000-seat Optus Stadium.

“That’s a decision they want to make,” Alaalatoa said.

“For us, we’ve been deliberate and taken ownership of making sure we need to get better.”

The Wallabies are expected to be fired-up in a determined bid to get back on track under hard taskmaster Schmidt, who took over from Eddie Jones after last year’s disastrous World Cup campaign.

“For us as leaders, he (Schmidt) was pretty hard (on us) after the loss,” Alaalatoa said.

“The coaching staff has driven the fact that all the attention is back on us and just making sure that we continue to grow our own game.

“We know that we’re not the finished product at the moment… We’re building towards that.”

PREDICTION

Springboks to win by 12 points

TEAMS

Australia

15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell

Substitutes: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handre Pollard

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By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Springbok No 8 Elrigh Louw said that they would relish the challenge of a backlash from Australia.

As Rassie Erasmus made ten changes to the matchday squad, Louw was one of only five players in the Springbok coach’s starting lineup from the previous Test to retain his place.

Springboks know the key

The Bulls bruiser is looking forward to the match and the chance to start again, and he hopes to make the most of every opportunity to wear the green and gold jersey.

“The Wallabies will definitely come back better,” said Louw.

“They’ll sharpen up their game and we’re ready for that. For us it will be important not be caught out by their tactics and plans, so we just have to go out there and execute our game to the best of our ability.”

Getting his second consecutive start and sixth Test cap thrilled Louw.

“I certainly got a bit of confidence from last week with my first start and I know what to expect this week. I can’t really change much in the way I play, but I can go out there and give my best for the team.

“Everyone has a role to play in the team, and looking back in my career, there isn’t much of a difference between playing No 8 and flanker. As a player I just like to have my hands on the ball and to try to play my game.”

Australia make five changes for the contest.

Fighting for places

With intense competition for places in the Bok No 8 position and Jasper Wiese set to return from his suspension, Louw said he understood the bigger picture in the team and that for him it was a case of doing his best when he receives a chance to play.

“We are all aligned in terms of the team plans and as coach Rassie said, he wants to build squad depth and expose some players to Top-tier rugby, so my goal this weekend is to do my best and to use this chance,” he said.

Louw was also excited about linking up with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg, who will earn his first Test start this weekend.

“We played together a little in the Test against Portugal, but we’ve trained well together this week, and that gives us confidence going into the game,” Louw commented.

Can the Springboks go back-to-back against Australia?

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Schmidt feels that Jorgensen will be able to make a big impact off the bench.

Wallaby rookie backed to come through baptism of fire

He claims that Jorgensen has the skills in the air to withstand a Springbok bombardment.

“I just think in the modern game, it’s very hard to target someone illegally, obviously, because of the TMO and and the consequence of targeting someone illegally,” Schmidt said.

“They may try to put the ball on top of him, but he’s good in the air.

“My perception of him is that he’ll be keen for them to kick it to him so he can get his running game up and going.

“He’s one of our quicker players. He’s good on his feet.

“And for a young man who will be stepping into the Test arena against the world champions, he has a quiet confidence about him.

“I sense that he’s ready to go.”

Australia boosted by returns

Schmidt was happy to welcome back prop Angus Bell from injury.

“I think starting him allows us to better control his minutes a little bit,” Schmidt said.

“He goes straight from the warm-up, builds a rhythm and gets that confidence to go straight into the game, rather than bringing him off the bench, which can be a bit more complicated.”

Wallaby wobbles could come to an end

Schmidt feels that he has struck a good balance between continuity and workload management with his team selection.

“There’s some continuity and freshness in this team after a very physical test last weekend,” said Schmidt.

“The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week. The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday.”

Wallaby team to face Springboks

Australia: 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Replacements: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.

Match info

Date: Saturday, August 17
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.45 (11.45 SA time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

Can Australia bounce back?

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For one, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made wholesale changes to the team, while there is no doubt that there will be quite a substantial South African supporter base in Perth given the high South African expatriate population in Western Australia.

When firstly looking at the team changes that South Africa have made, Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt refuted it was ‘disrespectful’, while highlighting that Pieter-Steph du Toit is a ‘freakish athlete’.

“Probably the same way we’re trying to work out a broader squad at the moment,” he told reporters. “Having been involved in international rugby for 10 years, you’ve got to be transitioning your squad.

“I don’t know what the number was but they had [lots of players] 30-plus last week in their 23, so there is a necessity around building a depth in your squad.

“My perception would be that South Africa have depth. It’s a couple of Bulls front-rowers in [Johan] Grobbelaar and [Jan-Hendrik] Wessels and then you’ve got Thomas du Toit, who’s a big man at tighthead.

“I think the element of risk for Rassie is an element of confidence he’s got in his own team, not aiming up regarding us.

“He’s demonstrated that he does like to chop and change a little bit but there are some guys you notice stay pretty consistent.

“I don’t see Pieter-Steph du Toit getting too many rests because he’s a freakish athlete. I think they’ve got about 500 caps on the bench so, if there are cracks, they’ve got some decent men to put in.”

SA support in Australia as the Springboks prepare for battle against the Wallabies

After quite a big presence of Springbok supporters last weekend, Schmidt admitted the Wallabies would need to be prepared for that once again.

“I was surprised [at the crowd] in Brisbane,” Schmidt said. “I know that [in] Perth there is a big South African presence, and the expectation is that Optus [Stadium] will have a decent cohort of green.

“I just hope that those Australians who come to support the Wallabies that they put the gold on so at least we can balance that.”

Match information

Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handre Pollard.

Australia – 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Subs: 16. Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.

Date: Saturday, August 17
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.45 (11.45 SA time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

Kick-off is at 11:55 (SA time).

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Koroibete, 32, will start in Perth to play his first Test since last year’s World Cup, replacing Filipo Daugunu who suffered an injury in last week’s 33-7 thrashing by the Springboks in Brisbane.

Australia prop Angus Bell returns from injury

“The players have rolled up their sleeves and worked hard again this week,” Schmidt said in a statement.

“The reality is that we need to be more combative and accurate this Saturday.”

Schmidt has also included experienced scrumhalf Nic White for Jake Gordon, who drops out of the matchday squad with Tate McDermott on the bench.

Loosehead prop Angus Bell returns from injury, alongside his former junior international team-mate Josh Nasser, who earns his first Test start at hooker, while Allan Alaalatoa captains the side from tighthead prop.

Lock Angus Blyth replaces Nick Frost in the second row alongside Lukhan Salakaia-Loto.

Uncapped back Max Jorgensen and flanker Seru Uru could both make their debuts off the bench.

Veteran prop James Slipper could make his 138th Test appearance off the bench, leaving him one short of George Gregan’s record for Australia of 139.

Meanwhile, South Africa have made 10 changes with scrumhalf Morne van den Berg and lock Ruan Nortje making their first starts for the Springboks.

PREDICTION

Springboks to win by 12 points

TEAMS

Australia

15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (captain), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell

Substitutes: 16 Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18 Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handre Pollard

Your prediction for Saturday?

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Saturday’s match kicks off at 11:55 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus’ starting team from the last Test shows 10 changes to the matchday team.

“We have a big squad, and it’s important to balance some players’ workload while at the same time bringing a few young players into the mix, and this squad allows us to do both,” said Erasmus.

“This also means that every player in this travelling squad will have an opportunity to play. All of the players who have been excluded from the squad have been regulars this season and we feel we’ll benefit in different ways by resting them this week.”

Erasmus opted to rest Siya Kolisi (flanker), Frans Malherbe, Gerhard Steenekamp (both props), Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), Damian de Allende (centre) and Willie le Roux (fullback).

Meanwhile, the Wallabies have brought Marika Koroibete and Angus Bell back into the team, while Seru Uru and Max Jorgensen are in line to make their Test debuts.

How the Springboks and Wallabies will line up:

Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (c), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Subs: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handre Pollard.

Australia – 15 Tom Wright, 14 Andrew Kellaway, 13 Len Ikitau, 12 Hunter Paisami, 11 Marika Koroibete, 10 Noah Lolesio, 9 Nic White, 8 Harry Wilson, 7 Carlo Tizzano, 6 Rob Valetini, 5 Lukhan Salakaia-Loto, 4 Angus Blyth, 3 Allan Alaalatoa (c), 2 Josh Nasser, 1 Angus Bell.
Subs: 16. Billy Pollard, 17 James Slipper, 18. Zane Nonggorr, 19 Tom Hooper, 20 Seru Uru, 21 Tate McDermott, 22 Ben Donaldson, 23 Max Jorgensen.

Date: Saturday, August 17
Venue: Perth Stadium, Perth
Kick-off: 17.45 (11.45 SA time; 09.45 GMT)
Referee: Paul Williams (New Zealand)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England), Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
TMO: Richard Kelly (New Zealand)

Stats and facts:

Springbok record against Australia:

Played 94; Won 51; Lost 40; Drawn 3; Points for: 1 893, Points against: 1 660; Tries scored 223, Tries conceded 171; Highest score 61-22 (Pretoria, 1997); Biggest win 45 points (53-8, Johannesburg 2008). Win % 54.2%.

Miscellaneous:

• Should Eben Etzebeth take the field it will mark his 124^th Test, which will see him equal with Bryan Habana in second place and three caps short from equalling Victor Matfield’s Springbok Test record (127).
• Should Kwagga Smith take the field, he will need only five more Test caps to join the club of Springboks with 50 Test caps.
• Morne van den Berg, Ruan Nortje, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar will earn only their second Test caps in the match.
• Should the Springboks win, it will be the first time they have won four successive tests against the Wallabies in more than half a century (they won seven matches in a row against Australia between 1969 and 1971).
• A win for the Springboks would be their third in succession against the Wallabies in Australia – the first time that feat would have been achieved since winning four in a row between 1971 (3) and the return from isolation in 1993 (1).
• The total Test caps for the Springbok starting line-up is 332.
• There are 196 caps in the backline, with 136 caps among the forwards. On the bench there are a further 419 caps.
• The average caps per player in the backline is 28, the forwards 17, while the players on the bench average 52.

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Coach Scott Robertson has responded to the upset 38-30 loss by changing three backs and one forward for Saturday’s match at Auckland’s Eden Park.

Kick-off is at 09:05 (SA time).

Prolific try-scoring winger Will Jordan, who came off the bench in the Wellington defeat, replaces Sevu Reece on the right wing.

Caleb Clarke takes over on the left from Blues team-mate Mark Tele’a. Experienced Blues centre Rieko Ioane is recalled in place of Anton Lienert-Brown.

All Blacks put in an error-riddled display in Wellington

In the pack, Tamaiti Williams comes in at loosehead prop for Ethan de Groot, who has a neck injury.

De Groot joins an injury list that includes captain Scott Barrett (finger), Patrick Tuipulotu (calf), Stephen Perofeta (calf) and Luke Jacobson (hamstring).

Cane is recalled to the bench despite the 32-year-old having declared he will retire from international rugby at the end of this year to take up a Japanese club contract with Suntory Sungoliath.

The 95-Test veteran’s last All Blacks appearance was as skipper in the World Cup final 10 last October, when he was shown a red card for a high tackle in the 12-11 loss to South Africa in Paris.

Robertson will hope the changes can improve the All Blacks after an error-riddled display in Wellington when they lost to South Americans for just the third time in 38 meetings.

The All Blacks were last beaten at Eden Park 30 years ago, with New Zealand having since racked up nearly 50 Test wins at the iconic venue.

TEAMS

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 (captain), 7 Dalton Papali’i, 6 Ethan Blackadder, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Tamaiti Williams

Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Ofa Tu’ungafasi, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Sam Cane, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Mark Tele’a

Argentina

TBA

By Garrin Lambley © Agence France-Presse

Kick-off is at 11:55 (SA time).

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The top-ranked Springboks will play the ninth-placed Wallabies for the second time in as many weekends this weekend, having thumped Australia 33-7 in their opening Rugby Championship match in Brisbane last Saturday.

Springboks boast a good overall record against Australia

Rassie Erasmus’s men have never played at the Optus Stadium before, but did play 10 Tests at the old Subiaco Oval and one at the Perth Oval in Western Australia.

The Springboks only won four of those matches at the Subiaco Oval (between 1998 and 2014) and drew their only game at the Perth Oval in 2017.

The Springboks’ overall record against the Wallabies is far better, having won 51, lost 40 and drawn three of their 94 Tests payed to date.

Erasmus sprang something of a surprise this week when he made as many as 10 changes to the starting XV for this weekend.

While no one would ever call the matchday squad a ‘B’ team, facts are facts, it’s considerably less experienced than every line-ups named in recent times.

The run-on team only boasts 332 Test caps, compared to the 801 total of the starters last weekend – and a far cry from the all-time record 990 (vs Ireland at Kings Park in July 2024) and the 975 the weekend prior against the Irish at Loftus Versfeld.

Throw in a Salmaan Moerat leading the side for only the second time and two players making their starting debuts, and one must ask: Has Rassie gambled once too often?

Probably not.

Leading South African bookmakers Betway have installed the Springboks as overwhelming 1/10 favourites, with Australia on offer at 45/10.

The draw after 80 minutes can be backed at 34/1.

Explainer

Ahead of the Test, the Springboks sit top of the rankings pile with 93.11 points, with Australia on 78.96.

A victory by any margin for the Springboks won’t see their points tally change. Similarly, a defeat by any margin won’t see Australia’s points total alter either.

However, a draw would see South Africa lose one full point and drop behind current second-placed Ireland in the standings, while in such a scenario, Australia would pick up a point, but stay ninth.

A win for Australia by 15 or fewer points would see them pick up two points (and the Springboks lose two points), and move to eighth place, with the Springboks dropping to second spot.

A victory by 16 or more points for the Wallabies would see them pick up three points, moving them up to seventh – and the Springboks down to third.

LATEST WORLD RUGBY RANKINGS

TEAMS

Australia

TBA

South Africa

15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Lukhanyo Am, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Salmaan Moerat (captain), 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Substitutes: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Ox Nche, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Handre Pollard

Your prediction for Saturday?

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.

Rassie Erasmus’s men began their campaign with a resounding 33-7 win over the Wallabies in Brisbane last Saturday. For Saturday’s match, Rassie has made 10 changes to his starting line-up for the second Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash.

Springboks made 10 changes for the Australia match

The Boks coach said he was looking to find the balance between building momentum and expanding squad depth.

“We made it clear from the outset this season that one of our main goals is to build squad depth with an eye on the next Rugby World Cup here in Australia, and we feel there is no better way to test some of the younger players and assess where we are as a group against a top-Tier nation, especially away from home, in this match,” said Erasmus.

The Springboks were convincing against Australia last Saturday but Rassie knows the Wallabies will bring a challenge this weekend.

“They are a proud nation and they’ll be highly motivated to continue their impressive home win record against us in Australia.”

What time will the Springboks play the Wallabies?

Kick-off between the Springboks and Australia is at 11:45 (South African time). The game will be live on SuperSport (211). The Boks are currently top of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.

Springbok team to face Australia in Perth:

15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 5 caps, 10 points (2t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 34 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 72 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 – Lukhanyo Am (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 36 caps, 35 pts (7t)
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 43 caps, 150 points (30t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 5 caps, 25 points (11c, 1p)
9 – Morne van den Berg (Emirates Lions) – 1 cap, O points

8 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 0 points
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 80 caps, 45 points (9t)
6 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 21 caps, 5 pts (1t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 0 points
4 – Salmaan Moerat (captain, DHL Stormers) – 8 caps, 0 points 
3 – Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 19 caps, 0 pts
2 – Johan Grobbelaar (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 0 points
1 – Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 1 cap, 5 points (1t)