New Zealand v South Africa - teams and prediction
ROUND FOUR PREVIEW: There is a touch of ‘desperation’ in the South African camp this week, which makes them a far more formidable foe for New Zealand.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus was the first to admit that his team did not perform to an acceptable standard in last week’s loss in Auckland.
That is why the tone ahead of this week’s Cake Tin face-off in Wellington has been one of subdued and measured responses to media enquiries.
They know a loss in this Round Four encounter will end their chances of retaining their Rugby Championship title.
That is why, even if it is wet, the Springboks must ‘fire shots’ to stay in the race.
“Winning every match is the most important aspect of our planning,” Erasmus said in the build-up to the Cape Tin face-off.
“We are halfway through the [2025] season, after eight games.
“So we want to build squad depth by introducing youngsters and seeing how they develop.
“We are trying to balance it [player development] while winning.
“There is an eye on the future, without forgetting the present.”
It is not just the Rugby Championship, but also the Freedom Cup that is on the line.
If the Boks win to draw the series, they retain the Cup. A draw or victory for the All Blacks will leave the Cup in Kiwi hands.
(The Springbok preview the Cake Tin face-off.…)
All Black coach Scott Robertson is prepared for anything the Boks can throw at them.
“The way Rassie operates, there’ll be variations in the gameplay,” he said in reference to the seven Bok changes and potential tactical adjustments.
“They’ll have a little bit of innovation like they did last week.
“We expect a little bit of everything like one-off plays but the fundamentals will be the same.”
Robertson said he has been pleased with the progress the All Blacks have made this year.
“The players have come in and performed,” the coach said.
“You have a four-year project, and you’ve got to win and learn.
“This year, we’ve had a lot of guys come in and perform well.
“That’s a testament to the environment and how you set people up to take their step up.
“We’re pleased with that, and creating some good depth and experience.”
Springbok No.8 Jasper Wiese, recalled this week after serving his four-match (eight-week) foul-play ban, said there was a lot of introspection in the South African camp.
“The set pieces are important for us to get right this week,” Wiese said.
“Credit to them. They came with a plan and it worked.”
Wiese, 29 and with 36 Test caps worth of experience, said ‘nailing their fundamentals’ is key to taking revenge against the All Blacks.
The forwards must lay a good foundation for our backs to express themselves.
“The forwards’ job is to grind and graft.
“That is how we express ourselves.
“Hopefully we can lay a good enough platform for the backs to express themselves with good attacking rugby.”
Players to watch
For New Zealand: Coach Scott Robertson claimed that explosive wing Leroy Carter can be a ‘point of difference’ on debut, a player he had previously described asd the fastest in New Zealand. Fullback Damian McKenzie and scrumhalf Noah Hotham were recalled in the backs, while front row forwards Tyrel Lomax and Samisoni Taukei’aho also return for the All Blacks. Will Jordan starts on the opposite wing, shifting there from fullback to replace the injured Emoni Narawa.
For South Africa: Coach Rassie Erasmus overhauled the Springbok backline, naming a side featuring seven starting changes, including five in their backline. Versatile back Damian Willemse will start a Test at inside centre for the first time in his eight-year career, replacing the seasoned No.12 Damian de Allende. Rising Stormers playmaker Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was named at flyhalf and speedster Canan Moodie at outside centre. Veteran wing Cheslin Kolbe is the only back to start in the same position as last week. Erasmus also restored Siya Kolisi as captain and moved him back to the flank. Joining the starting pack are lock Lood de Jager and No.8 Jasper Wiese, who missed last week’s Test while seeing out the end of a four-match suspension.
Prediction
@rugby365com: New Zealand by eight points
Teams
New Zealand: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Ethan de Groot.
Replacements: 16 Brodie McAlister, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Finlay Christie, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Ruben Love.
South Africa: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.
Date: Saturday, September 8
Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium
Kick-off: 19.05 (09.05 SA time, 07.05 GMT)
Expected weather: Fine, then a few showers developing. Westerlies becoming strong and Wind Gusts of 60km/h. Real Feel 4°C
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Jordan Way (Australia)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
@king365ed
@rugby365com
