The highly anticipated clash between South Africa and New Zealand marks the third encounter in the gripping Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. After a surprising defeat in the opening match, the Springboks bounced back impressively, leveling the series at 1-1 with a decisive win in Cape Town last week.
This upcoming match, scheduled for Saturday, September 5, at 4:10 PM BST, will take place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. It serves as the final opportunity for the Springboks to showcase their prowess on home turf before the series shifts to Baltimore for the remaining matches. As reigning world champions, South Africa will be eager to secure another victory against their fierce rivals in Soweto.
The All Blacks are approaching this Test with a stable lineup, aiming to capitalize on the high altitude of Johannesburg to gain an advantage. The New Zealand team, known for its resilience and tactical acumen, will look to make a statement against the Springboks.
In terms of team news, South Africa faces a significant setback with the absence of Damian Willemse due to injury. In response, Cheslin Kolbe will take over the full-back position, marking only his second start at No. 15 in his Test career. Kurt-Lee Arendse is set to return on the wing, while the front row will see Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw starting after being benched in the previous match.
The Springboks' starting lineup is as follows: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 15 Cheslin Kolbe. The bench will feature five forwards and the versatile Andre Esterhuizen, who could provide a powerful impact in the later stages of the match.
On the other hand, New Zealand's coach Dave Rennie has opted to refresh the forward pack after two physically demanding Tests. Asafo Aumua will start at hooker, taking over from centurion Codie Taylor, while Sam Darry will partner Tupou Vaa’i in the second row. Peter Lakai has been included for added mobility on the blindside flank, but the backline remains unchanged, with Ruben Love and Damian McKenzie continuing their partnership in the playmaking roles.
The All Blacks' starting XV includes: 1 George Bower, 2 Asafo Aumua, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 5 Sam Darry; 6 Peter Lakai, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea; 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie. Their replacements will consist of 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Wallace Sititi; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.
For viewers in the United Kingdom, the match can be watched live on Sky Sports, while fans in South Africa can catch the action on SuperSport. As the series reaches its climax, both teams will be looking to assert their dominance in what has historically been one of rugby's most intense rivalries.
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