The Springboks are looking to make a big statement when they face New Zealand in the Rugby Championship in Wellington on Saturday (9.35am).
Having beaten the world champs at the same venue last season, coach Rassie Erasmus and his charges will enter the match knowing they have every chance of getting one over their old foes again.
With the World Cup just two months away, where the two teams are also set to lock horns in the first round in Japan on September 21, this match will go a long way in giving the winner confidence ahead of the world stage clash.
Both teams have won their first matches of the Rugby Championship, with South Africa beating Australia 35-17 and New Zealand getting the better of Argentina 20-16.
The Springbok team that will play against the All Blacks on Saturday in Wellington. #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/WuH28qPkEr
— Springboks (@Springboks) July 25, 2019
Coachspeak:
Rassie Erasmus: “We have the utmost respect for the All Blacks who are the undisputed No.1 rugby team in the world. We know we will have to be at our very best to be competitive against the All Blacks on Saturday.”
Coachspeak:
Steve Hansen: “It’s always an exciting occasion when we play the Springboks. We have a lot of respect for them and love playing them, as they bring many challenges to the contest.”
ON DEFENCE: Kieran Read. Photo: Dean Lewins/EPA.
Prediction:
On paper, the Springboks have what it takes to beat the All Blacks in their own backyard again.
We are going with a close encounter, but the Boks to bag only a second successive win over the world champions in front of a sellout Kiwi crowd at the Cake Tin.