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 Lood de Jager is out for the Springboks and has been replaced by Pieter Steph du Toit in the starting side while the recalled Willem Alberts takes his spot on the bench.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.
Zak
Guest
Now that politics plays frontrow in SA rugby Expect more of the same....
RobC
Roar Guru
Watched the game last night. I think the Boks when in the AB redzone are unique in their ability to score tries from there. Their challenge is: - getting there - backing themselves to do the job, instead of opting to kick for three - Same as RWC 2015 In any case the coaching is still bad esp defence. Attack too, whilst improving, is still schizo. The team lacks urgency and focus. Koochie Koo needs to make some decisions and get everyone on the same page ABs, v good / awesome, as usual. Not much to add there, really. Except maybe goal kicking, and possibly defenders toying with offside?
Garth
Guest
Even if Anton's favourite lineout jumper was Eales...
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Wardad.... I read it was the first time that both brothers scored a try each in a test.. ...Geez, while there has been a few, its not that common to have brothers play in a test even!
Johan
Guest
I do feel that most off the players do decerve their place in the team. Maybe two to three changes need to be done. The problem is not the players, the problem is their training. Get the training to standard use expert players in each position. It look as this trainer will never learn, it is not your players mister Coetzee the problem lies in your training method and with your way of thinking. Maybe you are a good Super Rugby trainer but you do not fit in as a National trainer you are not up to standard. Do youself a favour and return as a trainer to super rugby, you are buzy to humiliate the country and yourself.
Jeffrey
Guest
I'm a huge AB fan and can't agree with some of your selections. There is no way Fekitoa or Ardie Savea should be selected,especially Fekitoa. Franks is also a bit of a 50/50 call. Julian Savea am not sure about either but am ok with his selection. Haven't seen enough of Piutau to comment on his selection...
TC123
Guest
And it's a pleasure to see someone who can throw a ball into a lineout. Must have got some pointers from Anton Oliver.
rsjcole
Guest
mate i love the game to be called hoe it is these aussie comentators are embarrasing they never get beaten they let themselves down lol omg.
hopalong
Guest
Thanks Digger. Well played A.B,s Men against boys.
concerned supporter
Guest
Watched the game on TV.I am a Wallaby supporter.Our Australian ref. is a bit of a show pony,many penalties for minor indiscretions. Thought he and the 2 Assistants (linesmen) were very lenient on the AB's off side play.They were rushing up so quickly that the were arriving at the same time as the ball.They destroyed the Springboks attack. All Black line out tactics? Are they legal?Jumping across the oppositions line out?Not a lawyer or a referee ,but to me something looks wrong.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Yes and the handoff around the defender for the other one...crazy.
Wardad
Guest
Hi Digger thanks for the great game blogs ,they really add some extra spice to the viewing ! Whats the good oil on Jordie Barrett do we have another Savea brothers in the works ?And does anyone know when the last time 2 brothers both scored tries in the same Test ?
woodart
Guest
yes as a hooker he's pretty good,as a centre he;s not to bad either ,two for one. that pass to sam whitelock is better than anything Ive seen folau throw.
taylorman
Roar Guru
Well one things for sure. Dane Coles is without doubt the best in his position now. With his sharp running, passing, linking, offloading...oh and the fact that he's nailing his jumpers to remind us he is actually a hooker, he's redefined the role with no other Hooker getting close to the overall work rate or direct tangible contribution to the outcome in terms of the scoreboard. To have a tight five member contributing that significantly elsewhere is another reason the ABs are out on their own. The tight five must be more than just jumpers and pushers in today's game. It started a few seasons ago with the ball carrying of Retallick and that's lead onto a wider and wider skilset across the tight five, meaning you have five more players contributing in the open, running game. Stunning game from Coles, his best to date.
Grent Dosa
Roar Rookie
Yes you're right Jantjies does get a lot of traffic because the opposition know he's a weak defender and therefore he did make a number of tackles but he also missed a number of crucial ones. I don't think he lacks effort or commitment but rather technique and the fact that he is smaller than most the other players, Faf had a bad game and that obviously didn't make it easier for him
woodart
Guest
yes I watched the first five minutes of the perth test but turned it off ,mostly because of the terrible aussie commentators.
Rugby Tragic
Roar Rookie
Grent, I agree with most of your points on Jantjies, not up to it at this level but have to say last night his defence was better than it has been. At least made a number of tackles. Also a bit of concern when you have Faf and Jantjies playing 9 and 10 .. both lighweights and they can expect a lot of traffic coming their way in every game.
Digby
Roar Guru
I wouldn't. ;) After losing Marshall and Woodward Jordie is a great signing for his utility value for us.
Kuruki
Roar Guru
Looks like the Hurricanes have secured Jordie Barrett for next year. I would have loved to see him stay at the Crusaders.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
Looks to be a captain in waiting. On Sky NZ I listened to the bok commentary for a change. It gives a totally different perspective to what I see on the tv. Have tried to listen to the Australian one from timeto time but the commentators are so biased its almost comedy.