The Springboks will look to replicate their heroics last year when they take on the All Blacks in round two of the Rugby Championship at Wellington Regional Stadium on Saturday, writes Shaun Goosen.
New Zealand v South Africa
27 July 09h35
Wellington Regional Stadium
To Win
New Zealand 1/4
Draw 28/1
South Africa 3/1
Handicap
New Zealand (-11.5) 9/10
South Africa (+11.5) 9/10
The game takes place at the same venue which famously saw the Boks beat the Kiwis 36-34 in last September’s epic.
Only three players from the win over Australia, namely Eben Etzebeth, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Makazole Mapimpi, have been retained in Rassie Erasmus’ starting XV this week. The rest have mainly been in New Zealand for the better part of a week, acclimatizing to the conditions and preparing for what will be both sides’ biggest Test match until they meet again in Yokohama on 21 September.
The majority of the squad were part of the team that upset the Kiwis last year with a few exceptions. Kwagga Smith’s fine Super Rugby form has been rewarded with another call-up, with his performance at the breakdown sure to define the contest.
Elsewhere in the loose trio, Duane Vermeulen captains the side for the very first time at No 8. Expect him to lean heavily on Bulls’ teammate and Bok pivot Handre Pollard, as well as the likes of Etzebeth, du Toit and Malcolm Marx.
The All Blacks, though, are expected to name a full-strength side and Steve Hansen will expect a much-improved showing from their disappointing display against Argentina last week.
The decision-making of both Pollard and Beauden Barrett will be in the spotlight once again, with both first-fives central to everything good that happens for their respective teams.
In such a tight Test, set-pieces will play a huge role in either side gaining the upper hand. The Boks weren’t great in the lineout department last week and should aim for a more accurate display.
Verdict: South Africa (+11.5) 9/10
Expect the contest to shift hands on a number of occasions. However, with the All Blacks welcoming back their Crusaders players this week, they should have the extra edge to get over the line by between six to 10 points.
Written by Shaun Goosen for Hollywoodbets
