Springboks vs All Blacks Prediction & Betting Tips
Competition: Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry
Date: 22 August
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The Springboks and All Blacks renew one of rugby’s greatest rivalries on Saturday when they meet at Ellis Park in the opening Test of the four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. South Africa come into the match in outstanding form, having won their last 12 Tests and five of their last six meetings against New Zealand. Their most recent encounter ended in a record 43-10 Springbok victory in Wellington, but the All Blacks arrived in Johannesburg determined to put that result behind them.
The Springboks have been dealt a major blow with captain Siya Kolisi missing the opening Test as he continues to recover from a hamstring problem. Rassie Erasmus confirmed that Kolisi trained well during the week and could have been selected, but South Africa have decided not to risk him with three more Tests still to come. Pieter-Steph du Toit takes over as captain, while Paul de Villiers comes into the starting XV.
Team News
South Africa still have an incredibly strong side, with Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Kurt-Lee Arendse forming a dangerous backline. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts at flyhalf, while the pack includes Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Eben Etzebeth and Jasper Wiese. Damian de Allende will also celebrate his 100th Springbok Test cap, adding another special occasion to an already massive match.
New Zealand have also named a strong team and receive a major boost with Will Jordan and Cam Roigard returning from injury. Damian McKenzie has been cleared to start at fullback, while Ardie Savea returns to captain the All Blacks. The visitors have plenty of attacking weapons, but they will need to deal with the physical challenge of the Springbok forwards and the intense pressure that comes with playing South Africa in Johannesburg.
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Best Bet: Springboks to Win
Value Bet: Springboks to Win by more than 7 points
Why We Like This Bet
South Africa also have the type of forward pack that can make life extremely difficult for New Zealand. Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje will look to establish dominance at the set piece, while Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese will be expected to bring physicality around the breakdown. If the Springboks can control the forward battle, they should be able to dictate territory and put the All Blacks under sustained pressure.
However, we don’t expect New Zealand to be blown away. Ardie Savea is an outstanding captain and match-winner, while the return of Will Jordan and Cam Roigard gives the All Blacks significantly more attacking quality. Damian McKenzie also adds experience and creativity from the back. New Zealand’s best chance could be to increase the tempo and prevent South Africa from controlling the match through territory and set-piece pressure.
We expect the All Blacks to keep the scoreboard close for long periods, but South Africa’s combination of home advantage, forward power, recent dominance in this fixture and experience in pressure Test matches should give them the edge.
Prediction: Springboks 27-22 All Blacks
Confidence Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
SASPORTSTIPS VERDICT: Springboks to win
This is Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry and we expect a tight, physical battle. The All Blacks have enough quality to make this uncomfortable for South Africa, but we believe the Springboks will eventually pull away in the final quarter and start the four-Test series with a victory.
Who do you think will win? Springboks or All Blacks?