- 1 Springboks vs All Blacks: Giants collide in Johannesburg
- 2 South Africa’s scrum test
- 3 New Zealand must cope with the aerial battle
- 4 A clash full of edge
- 5 Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry prediction Springboks vs All Blacks
- 6 A quick note on our tips
- 7 No commitment from us
- 8 Information changes
- 9 Your role
- 10 Responsible gambling first
- 11 Legal age
- 12 About the images…
Springboks vs All Blacks: Giants collide in Johannesburg 
This Saturday in Johannesburg, rugby’s top showdown takes centre stage. The All Blacks arrive in South Africa in sparkling form under Dave Rennie, riding an eye-catching attacking rhythm and a string of impressive wins. But standing in their way is the ultimate test: stopping a fired-up Springbok side who are unbeaten in 12 matches.
Recent history leans heavily towards South Africa, who handed New Zealand a brutal beating in their last meeting – the heaviest defeat the All Blacks have ever suffered.
For this first Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, the intensity should be off the charts and the entertainment should follow.
South Africa’s scrum test 
All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan was full of praise for South Africa’s forward pack this week, calling it the best scrum unit in the world. For New Zealand, the challenge is not just to survive the first collisions, but to last the full 80 against the devastating bench impact the Springboks can unleash.
South Africa are masters at piling up penalties, squeezing opponents back into their own 22 and turning physical dominance into points.
If New Zealand want to stay in it until the final whistle, their pack will need to be spot-on and front up to the Springbok power in every set-piece battle.
South Africa’s last game against Argentina was messy enough, and Rassie Erasmus made sure his players knew it ahead of this summer’s first major clash against the Blacks.
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New Zealand must cope with the aerial battle 
Beyond the physical fight up front, two key areas will shape this match. In the air, the kicking battle and contest under the high ball could prove decisive. With aerial specialists like Will Jordan and Cheslin Kolbe on show, any handling slip will be punished hard.
At the breakdown, the All Blacks will need quick reactions to protect possession from South Africa’s back row. With top-class scavengers like Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kwagga Smith, speed at the ruck will be vital.
How quickly New Zealand’s ball carriers hit the deck to secure possession will decide how smoothly their attack can function against that kind of pressure. If South Africa can slow ruck ball, get their hands on it without giving away cheap penalties and keep their discipline, New Zealand could be in for a long night..
XV de l’Afrique du Sud : À venir
XV des All Blacks : À venir
A clash full of edge
Between the Springboks’ brutal power and the All Blacks’ volume of play, this shapes up as a fascinating battle. If New Zealand can live with South Africa in the forward contest and hold their own under the high ball, they will have enough to trouble the home side.
The referee and the discipline at rucks and mauls will be under the microscope throughout.
If South Africa dominate territory and possession, it’s hard to see the All Blacks upsetting Rassie Erasmus’s plan here.
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Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry prediction Springboks vs All Blacks
New Zealand win or lose by fewer than 9.5 points
The All Blacks have made light work of the South African sides they’ve faced so far. This will be a very different challenge against a Springbok team unbeaten for almost a year and with one recent loss to New Zealand at Rugby Championship level (17-24).
South Africa may be favourites going into this showdown, but we can still see the All Blacks keeping it within the 9.5-point handicap.
Photo credit: Millereau Philippe / KMSP via AFP
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Information changes
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