South Africa
31
Match Complete
New Zealand
29
| E. Jantjies |  | 82 | ||
| 78 | | J. Barrett | ||
| E. Jantjies |  | 76 | ||
| 75 | | J. Barrett | ||
| 66 | | J. Barrett | ||
| E. Jantjies | | 57 | ||
| M. Mapimpi |  | 51 | ||
| H. Pollard | | 44 | ||
| H. Pollard | | 40 | ||
| 32 | | B. Weber | ||
| 28 |  | J. Barrett | ||
| 27 | | A. Savea | ||
| H. Pollard | | 23 | ||
| 12 | | S. Reece | ||
| H. Pollard | | 11 | ||
| 8 | | J. Barrett | ||
| D. D. Allende | | 5 |
| 2 | Tries | 3 | ||
| 0 | Conversions | 1 | ||
| 6 | Penalty Goals | 4 | ||
| 1 | Field Goals | 0 |
The All Blacks can complete a prestigious Grand Slam if they defeat the Springboks tonight in the final test of The Rugby Championship. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 8:05pm (AEST).
Springboks coach Jacques Nienaber has been calm under the fire of weeks’ of questions about his team’s poor performances and criticism about their style of play but he will be stressing about the result from tonight’s game.
He explained recently that when he came on board as head coach, the two major targets were the series win over the British and Irish Lions (tick) and the 2023 World Cup. Whilst the Rugby Championship might not be a KPI in his contract, losing four games in a row against bitter rivals is not going to go down well.
Nienaber has vehemently defended his style of play and his selection of almost completely the same team for this final match strongly suggests that we’re in for more of the same. Most rugby fans won’t have heard the term DNA this much since their High School science lessons but Nienaber and his team firmly believe they are doing the right thing by sticking with a game plan driven by kicking.
The only change the South Africans have made to their starting lineup is in the front row where Ox Nche comes in at tighthead prop, replacing the injured Frans Malherbe.
For all the talk about the boring nature of the Boks’ approach, it’s worth noting that All Blacks coach Ian Foster has made some changes to his line up including getting rid of the two wingers who struggled under the highball last week. Both George Bridge and Will Jordan looked uncomfortable under the South African barrage and have made way for Sevu Reece and Reiko Ioane.
Anton Lienert-Brown retakes his centre spot and Brad Weber will start at scrum half with Beauden Barrett outside him at fly half. Richie Mo’unga is back in the match day squad and will likely get a run later in the game.
There is an enticing amount of niggle bubbling up between these two as the Springboks were accused of dirty tactics to try and slow last week’s test down to their preferred pace. Savea has said that he’ll have to put more pressure on the ref this week and it’ll be interesting to see how both of these powerhouses battle it out for dominance.
Prediction
For all the frustrations at the Boks’ style of play, they lost to an inform All Blacks side by just one point right at the end of the game seven days ago. However they won’t get that close again. The All Blacks will want to finish off the Championship with a much more accurate performance and not repeat the 20+ handling errors.
New Zealand by 9.
Game information
Venue: Cbus Super Stadium, Gold Coast
Kick-off: 8:05pm (AEST)
TV: 9Gem
Live stream: Stan Sport
Betting: South Africa $4.30, New Zealand $1.21 – odds via PlayUp
Referee: Matthew Carley
Teams
New Zealand
1. Joe Moody, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Nepo Laulala, 4. Brodie Retallick, 5. Scott Barrett, 6. Akira Ioane, 7. Ardie Savea (c), 8. Luke Jacobson, 9. Brad Weber, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Rieko Ioane, 12. David Havili, 13. Anton Lienert-Brown, 14. Sevu Reece, 15. Jordie Barrett
Replacements
16. Asafo Aumua, 17. George Bower, 18. Ofa Tuungafasi, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Ethan Blackadder, 21. TJ Perenara, 22. Richie Mo’unga, 23. Damian McKenzie
South Africa
1. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Ox Nche, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Lood de Jager, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 7. Kwagga Smith, 8. Duane Vermeulen, 9. Faf de Klerk, 10. Handre Pollard, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 14. Sbu Nkosi, 15. Willie le Roux
Replacements
16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Steven Kitshoff, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. Franco Mostert, 20. Jasper Wiese, 21. Herschel Jantjies, 22. Elton Jantjies, 23. Frans Steyn
Harry Jones
Expert
Yes! Just pointing out they have rare opportunity to go SF-F-F with a nucleus; win 2 of 3 and be a GREAT!
Derek Murray
Roar Rookie
I just find it a little frustrating that after a great match, perhaps a generational game, there are dozens, maybe hundreds of comments about the ref. I'm as guilty as the next man. So much good stuff to comment on without us getting to the referee
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
I did indeed, Willie days are done.
Nicholas Bishop
Expert
That is one whole heap of speculation in there H! :laughing:
JohnnyOnTheSpot
Roar Rookie
I will not post when intoxicated. I will not post when intoxicated. I will not post when intoxicated. .... :laughing: :laughing:
JohnnyOnTheSpot
Roar Rookie
Just a little over the whistle, whistle, whistle to end the game - but I suppose if you do the crime.... would prefer the game to be won without the ref having to make the calls. In hindsight (and without alcohol fueled glasses :stoked: ) the ref just called what he saw...
JohnnyOnTheSpot
Roar Rookie
Fair call - just got a little worked up as usual - in hindsight the result was the right one - rugby was the winner... bring on the Northern tours.
Faith
Roar Rookie
All white back row. Dude. You think this is what its about. C'mon.
Blessing
Roar Rookie
This is a pointless conversation. Nobody is claiming that Akira had a blinder. You say he needs to find his Kaino-ness. I mean how long did it take for Kaino to find his Kaino-ness? I followed his career from the U20 WC when he was the player of the tournament. Nobody was as frustrating as Kaino. All that has become conveniently forgotten now because of the player that he became. You continuously bag Savea even though he was the best back rower yesterday both in the tight and the breakdown. How is that objective? I’d understand if you mentioned Akira and Akira alone, why bring Savea into it? He was outstanding. Your biases show through and through. Honestly, nothing would make me much happier than if Savea and Akira went to Japan or Europe. That way you can have your much vaunted All White back row. Would be fun to see who’ll get the blame once they’re not there.
Faith
Roar Rookie
I really wish were were alos playing England. But France and Ireland will test us enough. But we need to play England next year. In fact invite them for June series. I think we have Ireland.
Faith
Roar Rookie
Blessing, I love Akira - he does things that no one else can. But man, after RWC 2019 - this kind of slash loosie that excels it Super Rugby and against WBs will get us nowhere in the larger knockout comp that is the RWC. The times we've won we've had a tight 5 that takes no prisoners. We need the same. Ardie and Akira need to be on the bench. We need Cane back. We need Blackadder kind of loosies. There's no other way. We'll be find out again. Akira can continue to entertain us in Bled and SR buy dude unless he can develop him some Kaino-ness let him be an outer play. Time to try combos with Dalton, Ethan, Luke and Cane etc ...
Phantom
Roar Rookie
I agree.
Ash
Roar Rookie
What ref has ever been perfect? He did the best he could and that’s all we can ask.
Leroy14
Roar Rookie
Welcome
Tim J
Roar Rookie
Yes Ken… I am newbie on here really, I am sure that there other mad Kiwis on here. I just admit to it, it is mainly my humour that sends people mad. :stoked:
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
“Why only now”? Any WB fan after the WC cycle when the locusts feasted. Congrats biltong. Pleasing to see the Boks switch style so boldly and competently.
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
Mad kiwi you’ve only been on the Roar for a month?!? I must have you mixed up with someone else. Are there any other mad kiwis? :silly:
Ken Catchpole's Other Leg
Roar Guru
It was definitely a heavyweight rumble in the jungle, Harry . Ali out-Boksed Frazier. Congratulations Harry and South Africa.
Phantom
Roar Rookie
The ref was a little inconsistent but wasnt ultimately responsible for the outcome of the game. The abs failed to control possession in the last minute.
KiwiHaydn
Roar Rookie
Who of the players you’ve listed has consistently performed at the top level? Talent, yes. X factor, yes. Consistent graft at the top level, no. I hope Ioane reaches his potential, but for now he’s too lazy and soft. The Blues have always had talented forwards, but up until this season it’s delivered them nothing over the past 10-15 years. Compare that to any of the other NZ Super teams, some who arguably have far less talent at their disposal.