Springboks vs New Zealand: Preview and Predictions

The Springboks take on New Zealand on Saturday, 29 August, in Round 2 of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. This comes after New Zealand beat South Africa 33-16 last weekend. The All Blacks currently lead the four-Test series 1-0, meaning another victory for New Zealand would put them in a commanding position. 

Not only this, but New Zealand have beaten every franchise side. They have made an impressive start to their campaign so far with their undefeated status. So, now the pressure is on. Rassie Erasmus has made several changes to the squad. Siya Kolisi returns as captain, and Handre Pollard is set to start.  

The question on everyone’s minds now is: Do the Springboks have what it takes to defeat the All Blacks? Or will this continue to be a one-sided tour?  

Why This Match Matters So Much   

This is about more than just another Springboks vs All Blacks Test. 

New Zealand head to Cape Town with a 1-0 series lead after producing an impressive second-half performance at Ellis Park. Despite South Africa controlling much of the possession and territory, the All Blacks were far more clinical when opportunities arrived, scoring five tries to the Springboks’ one. 

For the Springboks, the challenge is simple: win. 

A second consecutive defeat would leave South Africa needing to win the final two Tests just to draw the series. Playing at DHL Stadium gives the Boks a huge opportunity to put the pressure back on New Zealand, particularly with Kolisi returning to the side. 

The Springbok captain has been cleared to play after recovering from a hamstring injury, giving Rassie Erasmus another experienced leader for one of rugby’s biggest occasions. 

This is also another chapter in a rivalry that has produced some of the most memorable matches in international rugby, including South Africa’s one-point victory over New Zealand in the 2023 Rugby World Cup final. 

Tactical Overview  

The first Test showed that South Africa can dominate physically but still struggle if they fail to turn pressure into points. 

The Springboks had opportunities to score but were unable to consistently convert their territory and set-piece dominance into tries. New Zealand, meanwhile, proved devastating when the game opened up, using quick ball, attacking kicks, and broken-field running to punish mistakes. 

Expect the Springboks to put greater emphasis on their forwards, maul and scrum in Cape Town. With Malcolm Marx, Eben Etzebeth, and Pieter-Steph du Toit leading the pack, South Africa will look to make the match a physical contest. 

Handre Pollard’s return should also give the Boks a more experienced game-management option at fly-half. His ability to control territory with the boot and take points when they are available could prove crucial in a tight Test. 

New Zealand will want to avoid getting dragged into a purely physical battle. The All Blacks showed at Ellis Park that their attacking variety can cause serious problems when they move the ball quickly. Will Jordan was particularly dangerous in the first Test, scoring twice as New Zealand repeatedly found ways through the Springbok defence. 

Players to Watch  

Siya Kolisi (Springboks)  

The return of Siya Kolisi could be one of the biggest stories of the second Test. After missing the opening match through injury, Kolisi is back in the starting XV and will captain the Springboks in Cape Town. His leadership, breakdown work, and defensive organisation could give South Africa an important boost after their disappointing performance in Johannesburg. 

TBC (New Zealand)  

Starting Lineup (Springboks)  

1. Ox Nche 

2. Malcolm Marx 

3. Wilco Louw 

4. Eben Etzebeth 

5. Ruan Nortje 

6. Siya Kolisi (C) 

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit  

8. Jasper Wiese 

9. Cobus Reinach 

10. Handre Pollard 

11. Ethan Hooker 

12. Damian de Allende 

13. Jesse Kriel 

14. Kurt-Lee Arendse 

15. Damian Willemse 

Replacements  

16. Deon Fourie 

17. Gerhard Steenekamp 

18. Thomas du Toit 

19. Lood de Jager 

20. Andre Esterhuizen 

21. Cameron Hanekom 

22. Morne van den Berg 

23. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu  

Starting Lineup (New Zealand)  

TBC  

Match Details 

Date: 29 August 2026  

Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town 

Kick-off Time: 17:10pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

The All Blacks showed in Johannesburg that they cannot be underestimated. Their 33-16 win was not simply a result of South African mistakes. New Zealand executed their opportunities brilliantly and defended their line under serious pressure. 

However, Cape Town should be a different story. The return of Siya Kolisi, the experience of Handre Pollard, and the need to win should bring a sharper Springbok performance. Expect another physical battle, but this time we back South Africa to make their opportunities count. 

Prediction: Springboks to win 

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