It is first versus third in a Rugby Championship table that is closer than ever after the first two rounds.
New Zealand tops the log with six points, but they are just one point ahead of Australia, with South Africa and Argentina each on four points. That is because each first series of the competition was split, with South Africa and Australia sharing a win and a loss Down Under, while Argentina and New Zealand did the same in South America.
This sets up a mouthwatering middle series of the comp, with the Boks facing the All Blacks twice in New Zealand with the tournament on the line.
New Zealand VS South Africa Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
New Zealand VS South Africa Date: Saturday, September 6
New Zealand VS South Africa Odds:
History
The history here is as much about the venue as the two teams involved. The All Blacks don’t play every game at Eden Park; the second clash between these two teams next week is in Wellington, for example, but the spiritual home of New Zealand rugby has become a modern-day fortress.
The All Blacks are undefeated in 50 matches at Eden Park. This is an astonishing number given the quality of the opposition they have faced and held serve against in Auckland.
The irony is that the streak started against South Africa 31 years ago. An 18-18 draw that day was the starting point for one of the most impressive records in rugby and all sports.
That record includes matches against the British & Irish Lions in 2005 and 2017, Rugby Championship throwdowns against the Boks and the Wallabies, and a home Rugby World Cup win in 2011.
Can South Africa end the impeccable run that New Zealand has forged in the City of Sails?
New Zealand
The All Blacks have some serious issues at scrum-half heading into this contest. Finlay Christie gets the starting nod, with uncapped Kyle Preson his deputy in the No. 21 shirt.
Cam Roigard is still recovering from a stress fracture in his foot, Noah Hotham has a high ankle sprain that required surgery, and Cortez Ratima fractured a rib against Argentina.
Wallace Sititi starts at No. 8. The 2024 World Rugby Breakout Player of the Year is finally back and finding some form after numerous injury setbacks.
Watch to see if the Boks try to pinpoint wing Rieko Ioane in the air. He is not good under the high ball, and his retention in the side after some inconsistent form is a gamble.
South Africa
South Africa wants this win. Badly. The Boks would probably accept second place in the final Rugby Championship standings if they could claim the scalp of the All Blacks at Eden Park.
Unsurprisingly, head coach Rassie Erasmus has gone as strong as possible. That means tried and true war horses, including Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, and Pieter-Steph du Toit, are all in the run on side. This is a change in plan, with original No. 8 Jean-Luc du-Preez going down with an injury in training this week.
Willie le Roux wins his 101st cap at fullback, with Handre Pollard pulling the strings at fly-half. The Bomb Squad is loaded, with Erasmus able to change the shape of the match with a bench featuring Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Boan Venter, and Kwagga Smith.
Best Bets
Astonishingly, the Boks haven’t won at Eden Park since 1937. They have, however, won four on the bounce at all venues against their hosts on Saturday. The money says New Zealand, but the Boks are well worth a punt at 39/20 given New Zealand’s issues at No. 9.
