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.
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
Rongowhakaata
Roar Rookie
I like the new gameplan from our boys. Get out to a commanding lead in the first quarter! Then hang on for the win. Very original.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
I think the Boks got dominance in the scrum once Marx came on.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
I think PSDT although playing lock in the past is fast enough for blind side flank. Mostert works very hard but I would rather get 60 minutes from PSDT than Mostert.
Bliksem
Roar Rookie
For me it is NZ. Wrote and article that NZ has the best probability to win the RWC, France second then Ireland and Boks.
Kamikaae
Roar Rookie
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WEST
Roar Guru
Very convincing wins too :thumbup: are we finally getting back on track?? Bring Wayne Smith back into the mix with Schmidt & Ryan.. Can’t use the coaches as any excuse :thumbup:
Good Game
Roar Rookie
Geez - I've never noticed!
Machpants
Roar Guru
NZ based games have never done MotM, ever. MotM is from the host broadcaster, sky and NZ have never done it.
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Straight to the build up of the “main game” comprising of the two teams smashed by the two in the “warm up” game I guess.
Good Game
Roar Rookie
When did this start happening?
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
Nah I think he knew he was offside and they forgot this could still be checked. Unsure how the TMO didn’t feel it was enough to overturn though.
WithTheDawn
Roar Rookie
While I agree that is still the rule, I do think they forgot and took it to try and avoid the check (muscle memory perhaps). Weirdly even though he was clearly offside and it was checked they didn’t call it back.
Good Game
Roar Rookie
My point exactly - ABs will need to improve.
AB’s back row was slick though mate. Hope Cane bounces back :thumbup:
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
How did you pick that up Doc? Fluent French or medical privilege?
The Late News
Roar Rookie
Absolutely!
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
In a line of blown chances, what can I say? I coulda bin a contenda?
:stoked:
He has some some compromising photos on the world rugby board ..
TC
Roar Rookie
There is also a nasty photo I see once a year, where there is 2 Maniquin's ..One in an AB's Kit , the other in a Wallabies Kit with his Pants Pulled Down..It never gets OLD..Seriously :crying: