The storied rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks is set for another exhilarating chapter at the FNB Stadium in Soweto. This match-up marks the third test in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Adding to the day's excitement, the Springboks Women and the Black Ferns will also clash, marking the first time these teams compete on South African turf.
For those eager to catch every tackle and try, the matches will be broadcasted live. Viewers can tune into SuperSport TV for local coverage, including the historic women’s match-up, which is also available on the SABC on a free-to-air basis. Later in the evening, a delayed broadcast of the men's game will air on SABC at 19:00.
International rugby fans have several viewing options. New Zealanders can start their Sunday morning with the game on Sky Sport NZ. Over in the UK and Ireland, the matches will be showcased on Sky Sports. Australian viewers can choose between Stan Sport and Nine Sport.
Shifting to team dynamics, Rassie Erasmus has adjusted his lineup with four changes to the Springboks’ starting XV, influenced by their previous win in Cape Town. Unfortunately, Damian Willemse is sidelined due to injury, prompting Cheslin Kolbe to take over the full-back role, while Kurt-Lee Arendse will cover the wing.
The revamped front row features Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw, with Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie, and Thomas du Toit now as substitutes. The pack is rounded out by stalwarts Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese. Meanwhile, the All Blacks coach Dave Rennie sticks with his previous backline but introduces changes in the forward line, replacing Codie Taylor with Asafo Aumua at hooker and bringing in Sam Darry for Fabian Holland in the second row.
"Asafo Aumua replacing Codie Taylor is a strategic move that we believe will strengthen our pack. Each player knows the weight this rivalry carries, and we're prepared to rise to the occasion," stated All Blacks coach Dave Rennie.
The player rosters for both teams are as follows:
Springboks:
1. Ox Nche, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Siya Kolisi, 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
Substitutes: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Lood de Jager, 20. Andre Esterhuizen, 21. Cameron Hanekom, 22. Morne van den Berg, 23. Manie Libbok
All Blacks:
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
Substitutes: 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
As the teams prepare for the face-off, fans around the world are gearing up to witness a spectacular display of rugby prowess. Whether you're watching from the stands at FNB Stadium or tuning in from afar, this match promises to be another memorable battle in the rich history of these two rugby powerhouses.
