Springboks vs All Blacks: Today’s Soweto Blockbuster Sets Stage for Series Decider
by Devesh Jaganath | by Devesh Jaganath
The Soul of the Tour Belongs In South Africa
Modern rugby may be increasingly focused on taking the game into new markets, but FNB Stadium provides the kind of setting that reminds everyone why these rivalries really matter.
Indeed, while the fourth and final Test of the inaugural edition of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry is set to be staged in Baltimore, USA, next weekend, taking the final match of the African leg to Soweto transforms today's clash from another fixture into the true emotional climax of the series.
The equation is straightforward. If Dave Rennie’s All Blacks win, New Zealand will have effectively conquered the Springboks on their own turf and taken control of the series. If South Africa deliver beneath the deafening roar of the Soweto crowd, the Boks will preserve their claim to the throne.
Rassie brings back the big guns for Soweto Test at high altitude!
As discussed in our South Africa vs New Zealand prediction, after rotating his front row for the first two Tests, Rassie Erasmus has restored Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw to the starting XV. South Africa are seemingly determined to test the All Blacks’ scrum and set-piece defence from the first whistle.
The tactical reshuffle means that Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie, and Thomas du Toit drop to the “Bomb Squad”, providing lethal impact off the bench when the thin Highveld air begins to sap players' lungs moving into the latter stages of the match.
New Zealand Will Not Fear Highveld Pressure
New Zealand arrive in Soweto with a distinct psychological edge. Despite dropping the second Test 33-26 in Cape Town, the All Blacks proved they can cut the world champions open when they outscored South Africa in the opening Test at Ellis Park Stadium.
FNB Stadium holds no fear for the men in black, as they boast a flawless 2-0 historical record at the venue!
Additionally, the All Blacks have now won eight of their last 10 encounters at Highveld altitude. Their ability to finish games strongly remains a major red flag for the South African defence, and given the magnitude of today’s clash, their intensity will certainly be turned up a notch.
Key to New Zealand’s strategy today will be their lethal midfield partnership of Jordie Barrett and Leroy Carter, who will be tasked with neutralising South Africa’s rushing defence while creating space for their dynamic back line, spearheaded by Damian McKenzie.
By backing the same core group that tore the Boks apart in the second half of the opening two Tests, Rennie is banking on his team’s conditioning and cohesion to withstand the early set-piece pressure and launch a late, high-tempo counter-attack in the Highveld air.
