All Blacks Seek To Tighten Grip On Rugby Championship Against Springboks In Wellington Clash

Wellington, New Zealand, The Springboks are set to face New Zealand in a crucial Rugby Championship encounter at Sky Stadium on Saturday, with the hosts aiming to solidify their position at the top of the table. Following their 24-17 victory over the Springboks at Eden Park last weekend, New Zealand will be looking to replicate their performance and extend their lead in the competition.

South Africa, the defending champions, find themselves in a precarious situation after winning only one of their first three matches. A defeat to Australia in Johannesburg was followed by a win in Cape Town, leaving them third in the standings, level on points with Argentina but ahead on tries scored.

A win for the All Blacks would place significant pressure on the Springboks, making them reliant on other results as they head into their two remaining games against Argentina. Conversely, a victory for South Africa in Wellington would revitalise their title defence aspirations.

The Freedom Cup is also at stake, with South Africa currently holding the trophy after consecutive wins against New Zealand last year. A Springbok victory would ensure they retain the series, with each side having one win in this year's contests.

Springbok Team Changes

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for a significant reshuffle in his backline. Cobus Reinach replaces Grant Williams at scrum-half, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is preferred at fly-half over Handrè Pollard. Cheslin Kolbe remains on the wing, now partnering with Ethan Hooker, with Canan Moodie shifting to centre alongside Damian Willemse. Aphelele Fassi takes the fullback position, replacing Willie le Roux.

In the forwards, Jasper Wiese starts at number 8, with Siya Kolisi moving back to blindside flanker. Pieter-Steph du Toit completes the back row. Lood de Jager comes in for Eben Etzebeth at lock, while the front row of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Thomas du Toit remains unchanged. The Springboks bench features a 5-3 split, with Williams, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen providing backline cover.

All Blacks Selections

All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has named Leroy Carter, a sevens star, to make his debut on the wing. Carter's inclusion comes at the expense of Rieko Ioane. Will Jordan moves to the right wing to cover for the injured Emoni Narawa, and Damian McKenzie shifts to fullback, creating space on the bench for Rueben Love.

History At Sky Stadium

Erasmus has a mixed record at Sky Stadium, with one win and one draw in his two Tests as Springboks head coach in Wellington. The last encounter at this venue in 2019 ended in a 16-16 draw, while South Africa secured a 36-34 victory in 2018.

Siya Kolisi is set to play his 96th Test match, leaving him just four short of becoming the ninth Springbok to reach 100 caps. This will be his 64th Test as captain.

SuperSportBet have New Zealand as favourites going into this clash. The selection experimenting from Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has odds not going towards South Africa.

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