[ad_1]
Four years after the Springboks were last on New Zealand soil, they’re back for the lone Rugby Championship test against the All Blacks this year.
It shapes as a beaut, too, one the winners of will take a giant step towards winning the competition before the all-important World Cup later in the year, and one which will tell us ample about Ian Foster’s All Blacks.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the 104th test between the old foes, who will also meet in London ahead of the World Cup.
Game
What: All Blacks v South Africa
Where: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Kickoff: 7.05pm, Saturday
Ian Hitchcock/Getty Images
The All Blacks have won 61 of the 103 tests against the Springboks.
Teams
All Blacks: Beauden Barrett, Will Jordan, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, Mark Telea, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, Ardie Savea, Sam Cane (capt), Shannon Frizell, Scott Barrett, Brodie Retallick, Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Nepo Laulala, Tupou Vaa’i, Dalton Papali’i, Finlay Christie, Braydon Ennor, Caleb Clarke.
Springboks: Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Damian Willemse, Faf de Klerk, Jasper Wiese, Franco Mostert, Kwagga Smith, Lood de Jager, Eben Etzebeth (capt), Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Steven Kitshoff. Reserves: Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Vincent Koch, RG Snyman, Pieter Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok.
Match officials
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Aus), Pierre Brousset (France)
Television match official: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)
Weather
Partly cloudy, with a light westerly breeze and a temperature of 13degC at kickoff.
Odds
All Blacks $1.37 South Africa $3
History
Played 103; All Blacks 61 wins, South Africa 38, 4 drawn
Last meeting in 2022: All Blacks won 35-23 in Johannesburg
[ad_2]