Springboks vs All Blacks: Kick-Off Time, Where to Watch in SA, Team News
- The Springboks step into this weekend’s clash carrying the weight of last Saturday’s setback, with much more than pride on the line
- Tactical changes from both coaches mean fresh faces will be in the spotlight, adding intrigue to an already fierce rivalry
- The Test promises a significant moment in the ongoing battle for silverware, with history and reputations at stake
- Briefly News had an exclusive interview with a rugby expert who shared his views on the team selection and the clash
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The Springboks are set to face the All Blacks this Saturday in what promises to be a thrilling Rugby Championship clash.
Following their narrow 24-17 defeat at Eden Park last weekend, South Africa will be looking to bounce back and keep their Freedom Cup hopes alive.
Source: Getty Images
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has shaken up the backline and welcomed Jasper Wiese back at No 8, while the All Blacks, under Scott Robertson, have made five changes to their starting XV, including debutant Leroy Carter on the wing.
Springboks Starting XV:
15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen
All Blacks Starting XV:
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Ruben Love
Source: Original
Key Notes:
Siya Kolisi will play his 96th Test match, taking him just four matches shy of becoming the ninth Springbok centurion.
Jasper Wiese returns after a four-match suspension, last featuring in the 45-0 victory over Italy in Gqeberha.
The Springboks hold a historic record of 42 wins in 109 encounters against New Zealand, with their last Sky Stadium clash in 2019 ending in a 16-16 draw.
Fans in South Africa can catch every tackle, try, and breakdown live on SuperSport Rugby, with pre-match coverage starting well before the 09:05 kick-off.
What did the rugby expert say about the game?
Briefly News had an exclusive interview with rugby analyst Thabiso Mokoena, who unpacked the selection decisions and stakes ahead of Saturday’s Test.
“Rassie doing Rassie things, that’s what everyone is saying. Making sweeping changes, especially in the backline, is a gamble. Giving Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu the keys at fly-half is bold, but it shows the Boks are planning for both now and the future.”
He explained that leaving Eben Etzebeth out of the starting XV might raise eyebrows, but it highlights the Springbok management’s long-term view.
Mokoena pointed out how Jasper Wiese’s return after suspension and Siya Kolisi’s shift back to the side of the scrum changes the dynamics of the forward pack.
“You can’t run Eben into the ground, Duane Vermeulen said it himself. Having two locks like Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje is a risk in terms of lineout stability, but it could bring freshness where the Boks struggled last week,” Mokoena stressed.
Turning to the All Blacks, Mokoena highlighted Scott Robertson’s decision to hand Leroy Carter a start. He said Robertson had called it “an awesome opportunity” and was keen to see Carter’s pace and flair tested at the highest level.
“For Robertson to drop someone like Caleb Clarke from the 23 completely and back a sevens bolter tells you this is about more than just filling gaps. Both sides are making daring calls, and that’s why this match feels like it could swing on the smallest of margins," Mokoena concluded.
Springboks legends advise Erasmus
Briefly News previously reported that Springboks legend Steven Kitshoff urged coach Rassie Erasmus to reassess the team’s playing style as South Africa prepares to face the All Blacks at Eden Park on 6 September.
Erasmus named a full-strength squad packed with experience, to be captained by Jesse Kriel, while regular skipper Siya Kolisi will take on a different role, playing at number eight.
Source: Briefly News
