The Springboks and All Blacks collide at Soccer City on Saturday in what could prove the series-deciding third Test as the loser will no longer be able to win Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series outright.
A SERIES SHAPED BY OFF-FIELD TENSION BETWEEN TWO SHREWD TACTICIANS
With the fourth Test being staged in Baltimore, many view Saturday’s match as the true decider. Rassie Erasmus has called this the most important match of the series so far. He also warned that fatigue from two brutal Tests could start affecting player performances. Erasmus expects to have used 36 players by the time the squad reaches Baltimore.
Despite that concern, he made only modest changes to his side this week. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw return to the starting front row. Kurt-Lee Arendse also comes in for the injured Damian Willemse, with Cheslin Kolbe shifting to fullback.
The week has been dominated by heated exchanges over South Africa’s scrummaging tactics. Rennie accused the Springboks of illegally going around at scrum time in Cape Town and Erasmus responded angrily, insisting his side has never been accused of such tactics before.
PLAYER WHO’LL BE KEY IN THIS FIXTURE
Wilco Louw returns to the starting side at tighthead prop after a dominant series so far. His scrummaging power could again prove decisive depending on how referee Nika Amashukeli interprets the contest. Angus Gardner faced criticism for his handling of scrum contests during the second Test.
Louw’s return alongside a fresh referee could shift that balance back in South Africa’s favour. It will be fascinating to see how Erasmus manages his Springbok bench once again this weekend. He has consistently found success with his timing of substitutions throughout this series and the Nations Championship
THE REFEREEING FACTOR AND KEY TACTICS
Much will depend on how Amashukeli manages the scrum contest from the opening whistle. New Zealand must also stay alert under the high ball, an area the Springboks have dominated.
The Springboks, in turn, cannot afford to give New Zealand’s backline too much space in transition. Player fatigue could also play a decisive role given the physical toll of the series so far.
Whichever side manages that pain barrier better may ultimately determine Saturday’s result. Expect another tense, physical battle between two heavyweight rivals desperate for a series lead.
TEAMS
Springboks – 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché.
Bench: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.
All Blacks – 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 George Bower.
Bench: 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.