A piece of history is set to be added to one of the most famous and iconic rugby fixtures when the Springboks take on New Zealand in a Rugby Championship clash in Cape Town this weekend.
The reigning world champions, Boks, host the All-Blacks at DHL Stadium on Saturday at 17:00.
Though the two nations have battled each other in Cape Town 10 times before, this will be the first meeting between them to be played at the stadium.
A lot is riding on this weekend’s fixtures, as the match will also decide on this year’s Freedom Cup winner.
Here we bring you everything you need to know about this thrilling match.
READ: Rassie Erasmus reveals how Siya Kolisi was cleared to play All Blacks in Cape Town
Can Siya Kolisi and the boys complete a rare double over the All-Blacks?
The New Zealanders head into the seething and quite eager to get revenge over South Africa.
This after Boks delivered a late blow to snatch a 31-27 victory over their greatest rivals at Ellis Park Stadium in Johannesburg last weekend.
The All-Blacks’ defeat at the hands of Boks placed the South Africans in pole position to win the Championship title for the first time since 2019.
The Siya Kolisi-captained outfit has done well in the Championship so far, winning all their first three matches to lead the standings by 16 points, eight ahead of second-place All-Blacks.
The Boks defeated the Wallabies twice in Australia before taking down the All-Blacks at home.
Final touches before another big one tomorrow 🇿🇦#Springboks#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/dfZKrJOjWl
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 6, 2024
For the clash, New Zealand coach Scott Robertson made four changes to the starting line-up for the outing, going for an experienced side.
The changes see Cortez Ratima start at scrumhalf while wings Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece form a new look back three with fullback Will Jordan.
Last weekend, Jordan started on the wing but has been moved to fullback due to Caleb Clarke’s injury.
Roberston made another forced change in the forward pack, with Wallace Sititi starting at the blindside flank.
Sititi replaces injured Ethan Blackadder. Luke Jacobson is the only change on the bench.
Springboks mentor Rassie Erasmus made a few changes as well, as he called back a couple of experienced stars such as Handre Pollard, Eben Etzebeth and Willie le Roux.
World Cup-winning youngsters Canan Moodie and Grant Williams have also been picked to start the important clash.
Ox Nche paid a special visit to Mama Leah Tutu earlier today for some cake and tea ahead of the big clash on Saturday. The late Arch was a massive Springbok Fan 🫂#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/KzVjwKn90z
— Springboks (@Springboks) September 5, 2024
How to watch?
The match will be televised live on the Pay-TV platform, Supersport channels, SuperSport Grandstand and SuperSport Rugby.
The broadcast will involve a build-up with rugby experts and former players from 16:00.
Betting odds
South Africa are clear favourites to beat the All-Blacks and win the Freedom Cup for the first time since 2009.
However, New Zealand will be no push over and they know a victory in Cape Town will keep them in the race for the Championship title.
South Africa 5/10 | Draw 20/1 | New Zealand 17/10
Handicap
SA (-5.5) 9/10 | NZ (+5.5) 9/10
A few familiar names 🤩
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) September 6, 2024
We asked and you answered. Here are the top 5️⃣ point-scorers against the Springboks of all time!#AllBlacks pic.twitter.com/hcva3poYbe
DHL Stadium
The 55,000-seater stadium is one of the venues built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
As mentioned, this will be the first time the clash take place at the stadium. All the previous 10 meetings in the Cape took place at the Newlands Stadium which was sold in 2022 to be demolished for residential and retail developments to be built.
Last meeting & head-to-heads
The last meeting between the rugby heavyweights was at the previous weekend at Ellis Park Stadium. The reigning world champions clinched the victory at the death.
- 13 August 2022: NZ won 23-35 in Jo’burg.
- 15 July 2023: NZ won 35-20 in Auckland.
- 25 August 2023: SA won 7-35 in London.
- 28 October 2023: SA won 11-12 in Saint-Denis
- 30 August 2024: SA won 31-27 in Johannesburg
