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The All Blacks recorded a dominant victory against the Springboks on Saturday, powering away in the second half to win 41-13.
» Click here to read the full match report
Final score
All Blacks 41
Springboks 13
This Saturday night game sees the New Zealand All Blacks hosting the South African Springboks at AMI Stadium in Christchurch. Join The Roar from 5.35pm (AEST) for all the live action of this Rugby Championship fourth round match.
Never did I think I would see the day where the odds for a New Zealand versus South Africa Test match would be as heavily weighted in one side’s favour as they are today, but it is simply a reflection of the teams’ opposing form heading into this match.
The All Blacks have been in impressive form in 2016, rarely being troubled by their opponents, and they’ll now look to march ominously towards another Rugby Championship title. The Springboks, on the other hand, have been inconsistent in their matches to date and have come under intense scrutiny from home and abroad over their performances.
It’s been fairly standard fare from the opposing camps in the build-up to this Test, respecting the rivalry and relationship between the two but most are expecting a comfortable All Blacks victory this evening.
However, the Springboks will lift for the challenge as history will attest to, and nothing short of a bruising encounter should be expected this evening as these match ups tend to bring out the best in both sides.
Both teams this evening have had to make injury-enforced changes to their line-ups from last weekend. Lood de Jager is out for the Springboks and has been replaced by Pieter Steph du Toit in the starting side while the recalled Willem Alberts takes his spot on the bench. Malcolm Marx makes what many observers would suggest is a long overdue call-up as hooker cover on the South African bench.
For the All Blacks, Sam Cane and Aaron Cruden have been ruled out through injury, resulting in Ardie Savea being granted an opportunity to start in the coveted openside flanker’s jersey with Matt Todd called in as openside cover. Lima Sopoaga replaces Cruden on the bench.
Of interest will be how South Africa approaches this match tactically. It is thought they will look to play the percentages with a conservative approach, utilising their forward strength and limiting any opportunities for the All Blacks. Questions remain around Elton Jantjes’ capabilities to run a side at this level and his kicking game will need to be accurate, as will the Springboks’ defence.
Most interest around the All Blacks will centre around the performance of Ardie Savea, starting at openside for the first time. All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has made some interesting comments this week around Savea’s playing weight and he has an opportunity to show he can be a starting option at this level after solid cameos off the bench this season. The emphasis will be his work in tight and how that compliments his obvious talent with ball in hand.
One particular match-up to keep an eye on will be between the two sets of locks, Eben Eztebeth and du Toit for South Africa and Sam Whitelock and Brodie Retallick for New Zealand. An immensely talented group, it is not farfetched to discuss these players as some of the best in the world in their positions and it is a mouth-watering contest, particular come lineout time.
Prediction
South Africa have a good pack and certainly some punch from the bench up front, but it is hard to imagine their backline being able to hold their All Black counterparts for 80 minutes. I’m expecting the All Blacks to pull away in the last 15 minutes of this one.
All Blacks by 15.
Join us here on The Roar from 5.35pm AEST as we cover all the action live and feel free to leave your comments below as the match unfolds.
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.