Springboks vs New Zealand: Preview and Predictions 

The Springboks take on New Zealand again on Saturday, 5 September, for Round 3 of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry. This comes after South Africa beat New Zealand 33-26 in last weekend’s match. The All Blacks and the Springboks are currently tied 1-1 in this four Test series. That means that this match will put one side in the lead.  

This was New Zealand’s first loss in the historic tour so far. They had beaten every franchise side as well as the Springboks in their first match. So, now the pressure is on for them to regain their dominant position.  

The question on everyone’s mind now is, do the Springboks have what it takes to cause another upset, or will the All Blacks make a comeback? 

Why This Match Matters So Much   

With the series tied 1-1, this Springboks vs New Zealand clash is effectively a battle for the upper hand. 

For South Africa, returning to Johannesburg provides another opportunity to use home conditions to their advantage. The Springboks will also take confidence from the way they responded in Cape Town, particularly after New Zealand dominated parts of the first Test. 

The All Blacks, meanwhile, will be looking to bounce back and regain the momentum they had after their opening-Test victory. 

There is also little separating the teams in the world rankings. SA Rugby’s latest rankings have South Africa and New Zealand occupying the top two positions, highlighting just how closely matched these sides remain. So, expect another physical encounter, with the battle at the set piece, discipline, and the ability to turn pressure into points likely to have a major influence on the result. 

Tactical Overview  

The Springboks’ physical approach will once again be central to their game plan. South Africa have the forwards to put New Zealand under serious pressure at scrum time and at the lineout, while their powerful maul remains one of the biggest weapons in their attacking arsenal. The Springboks used their set-piece strength effectively in Cape Town, particularly during the first half. 

However, New Zealand showed in the opening Test that they can cause problems when they are allowed to play at pace. The All Blacks’ attacking speed and ability to move the ball into space will test the Springbok defence, particularly if South Africa fail to control possession and field position. 

For New Zealand, discipline will also be important. The All Blacks will need to avoid giving South Africa easy opportunities to build pressure through penalties and territory. Ultimately, this could come down to which team wins the battle up front and which side handles the pressure moments better. 

Players to Watch  

Cheslin Kolbe (Springboks)  

Cheslin Kolbe has quickly become one of the Springboks’ most important attacking weapons, but his kicking has added another dimension to his game during this series. The winger was instrumental in South Africa’s 33-26 victory over New Zealand in Cape Town, scoring 18 points from the tee with a flawless kicking display. Kolbe has now maintained a 100% kick rate across the first two Tests against the All Blacks, making him a player New Zealand cannot afford to give easy opportunities to.

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 Einach 

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu 

11. Ethan Hooker 

12. Damian de Allende 

13. Jesse Kriel 

14. Kurt-Lee Arendse 

15. Cheslin Kolbe  

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. Manie Libbok 

Starting Lineup (New Zealand)  

TBC  

Match Details 

Date: 5 September 2026  

Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg 

Kick-off Time: 17:10pm  

TV: SuperSport  

Prediction  

This should be another closely fought Test between two of the world’s best rugby teams, but home advantage could make the difference. 

The Springboks showed in Cape Town that they have the physicality and composure to put the All Blacks under sustained pressure. With the series level and FNB Stadium expected to provide another intimidating atmosphere, South Africa should have the edge. 

Prediction: Springboks to win 

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