All Blacks vs Springboks: The Rugby Championship live scores, blog

Round two of The Rugby Championship kicks off in Auckland on Saturday afternoon with a blockbuster clash between the All Blacks and Springboks. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 5pm (AEST).

Both sides are coming off big wins in the opening round and this game is already marked to decide who will take out the shortened version of the Championship.

The key to this match is which team has adjusted to the timezone changes after having to travel large distances this week. The Springboks had the luxury of sending an advance party containing 14 players with some big names; ten of those will start the Test, and it might give them the edge.

Eben Etzebeth is named as captain on return from a shoulder injury – he forms a new locking partnership with Lood de Jager. The back row matchup of Kwagga Smith, Franco Mostert and Japser Wiese against Shannon Frizell, Sam Cane and Ardie Savea will be worth watching.

The naming of their bench would give any side nightmares: Jacques Nienabar and Rassie Erasmus have gone with a 6/2 split, with RG Snyman and Duane Vermeulen among the six forwards replacements.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster has elevated Richie Mo’unga to the ten jersey and made the big decision to drop Damian McKenzie from the matchday 23 entirely after his strong showing last week. The naming of the new wing pairing of Mark Telea and Will Jordan could indicate a gameplan to run the big Springboks pack around in an attempt to tire them out.

The Barrett trio all start again this week, with Scott joining Brodie Retallick in the lock role and Sam Whitelock missing out. Jordie and Beauden Barrett retain their spots at inside centre and fullback respectively, and will need all their tricks to keep the Springboks backline quiet.

Prediction

This one is shaping up as a cracker. The fact that this match isn’t at Eden Park should give the visitors hope and I can see them sneaking this by 6 points.

Game information

Venue: Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland
Kick-off: 5:05pm (AEST)
Streaming: Stan Sport
Betting: All Blacks $1.42, Springboks $2.90 – odds via PlayUp

Teams

All Blacks

1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Shannon Frizell, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Mark Telea, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Beauden Barrett

Substitutes: 16. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Nepo Laulala, 19. Tupou Vaa’I, 20. Dalton Papali’I, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Braydon Ennor, 23. Caleb Clarke

Springboks

1. Steven Kitshoff, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Frans Malherbe, 4. Eben Etzebeth (c), 5. Lood de Jager, 6. Kwagga Smith, 7. Franco Mostert, 8. Japser Wiese, 9. Faf de Klerk, 10. Damian Willemse, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 15. Willi le Roux

Substitutes: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Thomas du Toit, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 21. Duane Vermeulen, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Manie Libbok

Referee: Mathieu Raynal

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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.