Five key confrontations will determine the final of the greatest rivalry between Springboks and All Blacks

The Springboks team defeated the All Blacks with a score of 29–24 on Saturday at FNB Stadium in Soweto, securing a triumph in the greatest rugby rivalry. Despite a slow start, the world champions managed to increase the pace thanks to their physical strength and dominance during the scrum play. The team's attack was energized by the entry of Mani Leibobok after Cheslin Kolbe's early injury.

This match became a brilliant first victory over New Zealand at this arena and allowed South Africa to take the lead in the series with a score of 2–1. IOL Sport assessed the performance of the winning Springboks team.

The Greatest Rugby Rivalry

Kurt-Lee Arendse (7/10) stood out in the starting fifteen-meter line-up, looking dangerous every time he received the ball in attack, successfully overcoming the defense in several instances and scoring a good touchdown. Jesse Kriel (6) made a couple of noticeable missed tackles that harmed the Boks, and also made a passing error without a defender in front of him, but partially compensated for this with a good solo touchdown.

Damian de Allende (7) set up Arendse's touchdown, demonstrating a brilliant hip maneuver to bypass his opponent, and showed himself as a powerful player in defense. Winger Ethan Hooker (8.5) delivered another outstanding performance, covering almost every meter of the field; his youthful play was characterized by excellent bursts and strong defense.

Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (6) converted several excellent kicks at the posts, including a difficult penalty in variable wind conditions, although he could not fully assert his influence in attack, but played well in defense. Kobus Reinah (5) did not have his best day at the scrum and in the ball contest for the Boks, making several errors that could have changed the course of the game, and his kicks did not yield the desired results.

Jasper Wiese (7) was a player the Boks relied on for forward momentum, even when stationary. He made several heavy breakthroughs and controlled the ball well, leading to a penalty touchdown at the scrum. Pieter-Steph du Toit (7), clearly upset after an early tackle, demonstrated incredible aggression in contact since then, ignoring his own condition or opponents.

Siyabonga Kolisi (7), despite an injury in the first half, continued to play, showing immense strength in breaks and defense. Ruan Nortje (5.5) was reliable in the lineouts, but less noticeable in breaks and defensive actions; he needs to add more physical strength in matches. Eben Etzebeth (5.5) did not show sufficient effectiveness in terms of physical struggle, especially tackling, being knocked down by an All Blacks defender, but remained strong when possessing the ball.

Wilko Louw (7.5) proved to be a force to be reckoned with at the scrums, winning the first penalty for the Boks, after which the team began to dominate the play. He also made several decisive tackles. Malcolm Marx (8) made a major turnover in the second half in the ball contest, allowing for an attacking lineout, and was reliable in lineout throws, which contributed to good rolling mauls from which he scored one.

Ox Nche (7.5) transformed from the left flanker position, preventing Louw from completely dominating the attack, and completely suppressed the All Blacks scrum.

Substitutions

Deon Fourie (6) immediately impacted the ball contest, slowing down the guests' game, and was also strong in defense. Gerhard Steenkamp (6) came onto the field and added more impetus to the front line. Thomas du Toit (6) won several good penalties in the second half and supported the scrum dominance along with other substitutes. Lud de Jager (5) brought necessary physical strength while the Boks were finishing the game.

Andre Esterhuizen (6) broke through two defenders as a hybrid player. Cameron Hanekom (7) brought real physical power with his bursts and tackles, helping the team maintain the tempo. Morne van den Berg (7.5) made a small error in the lineout, but his speed, tenacity in tackling, and attacking instinct played a significant role. Mani Leibbok (8) changed the course of the game by coming on as a playmaker; he gave the team pace and executed an extraordinary pass that allowed the team to remain constantly on the attack.

The third match in the greatest rugby rivalry between the Springboks and the All Blacks will take place on Saturday afternoon in Johannesburg. The atmosphere is heated following the intense match in Cape Town, which ended with a victory for the Springboks. As a result, the series is tied at 1-1, as the New Zealand team won the first game at Ellis Park.

In Highveld, both teams aim to gain an advantage before the final match in Baltimore, USA, next Saturday. We will examine five key player duels that could influence the course of this competition, which will be held at the FNB stadium in Soweto.

The Greatest Rugby Rivalry

Springboks flyhalf, Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, intends to assert his influence over the All Blacks in the third match, which will be held on Saturday in Johannesburg.

Key Confrontations

Jasper Wiese versus Ardie Savea

The clash between these two players at number 8 is expected to set the physical tone of the game, as both are known for their powerful playing style and willingness to take risks in both attack and defense. The Boks team relies on Wiese for powerful runs and forward momentum, but his work in ball retrieval will also be crucial. Savea is the heart of the All Blacks squad, and his inspiring runs are critical for this team's fast pace. It can be expected that they will fiercely compete against each other for an advantage.

Wilko Lou versus George Bower

Bower noted his love for the scrum this week, while Lou's favorite activity on the field is creating problems for opponents in scrums. There has been fierce scrummaging since the first match, and this element of the game played a significant role off the field. It is hoped that on Saturday both teams can play in the scrum with minimal penalties from referee Nicky Amashukeli, as was the case in Cape Town. Both props will strive to provide forward movement for their team, and the battle between the destructive Lou and the stable Bower could be exciting.

Eben Ezebeta versus Tupu Vaai

This confrontation of 'heavyweights' is a battle for tempo when possessing the ball, but also a fight where physical strength in defense will be decisive in preventing the opponent's advance. This is a task for the two loose forwards (No. 4) on Saturday afternoon. Ezebeta has improved his game and was important during lineout plays, but on Saturday he will need to participate in defensive actions. Vaai will reach his milestone 50th match, and the necessity to show physical power, especially in lineout plays, will weigh on him and his team.

Cobus Reinhart versus Kame Roigard

The outcome will depend on the quality of the ball delivery from the rucks and scrums, as well as who better executes attacks and defenses between these two halfbacks. Both are expected to maintain a high tempo for their teams and make correct decisions under pressure. Reinhart will try to improve his kicking skills after a less brilliant performance in the second match in Cape Town. He will also be vital for the Boks in attack. Roigard's distribution was high quality for his backline, allowing them to attack aggressively in the early matches.

Sasha Feinberg-Mngomezulu versus Ruben Lav

Backline management will be crucial for the flyhalves. Currently, Lav has achieved the most success in having players run behind him. Feinberg-Mngomezulu has not yet fully established himself in the series, giving him a good opportunity to do so in such an important match. The Boks need their talisman at number 10 to launch attacks, especially if they want to start scoring more points. They have lacked this aspect. On the other hand, Lav played a key role in leading the All Blacks' attack and intends to continue showing excellent form.

Ahead of the upcoming match against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium on Saturday, Springboks players have shown confidence similar to that before a World Cup playoff. The team approaches this confrontation, dubbed the 'Clash in the Calabash,' with a mentality that helped them win major trophies.

Assistant coach Mzwandile Stik noted that the team is employing the same tactics that helped them win in the most significant tournaments. In their recent history, there has often been a decisive response following an early defeat.

The Springboks lost their first match against the All Blacks at Ellis Park but managed to balance the series by playing in Cape Town last week. Now that the series score is 1–1, they head to Soccer City, knowing that a victory will bring them closer to winning the series.

Approach to the Series

Stik stated: 'From the beginning, we said we would treat this series like a World Cup playoff campaign.' This mindset explains the stability of the Springboks squad this week, as only changes due to injuries were made to the team that defeated New Zealand in Cape Town.

The All Blacks, in turn, draw confidence from their past success at Highveld in the professional era. Stik understands that the team will not be intimidated by the altitude, and he is also aware of what is at stake for New Zealand. He added: 'If they win tomorrow, they will claim they beat us 2–1 on our ground, so we know exactly what drives them. We also want to defend what we represent as South Africans.'

He emphasized that regardless of the outcome, the winner will gain a real chance to win the broader series during the fourth match in Baltimore, while the losing team will only be able to level the score. Both teams will desperately need a result.

Tactical Aspects of the Match

Stik expects the battle to be very tough, especially in the contest for the ball after contact. 'We were weak in the ball contest in the first match, but we didn't concede any in the second. We still want to improve our play in this area because we know they will target it again with selected players. If we want to create opportunities, we must be clinical in this regard.'

The Springboks also plan to utilize their traditional strengths to limit the attacking potential of the All Blacks. Stik noted: 'Set-piece play is one of our biggest attacking platforms; we want to move forward, we have never been a team that bypasses contact, so if we get opportunities in the scrum or lineout, we will try to dominate.'

He continued that New Zealand will want to keep the ball in play and avoid contesting the ball and set pieces, which aligns with their game plan, but the Springboks know what suits them better.

The South Africans previously followed a similar path to success: they lost matches in the 2019 and 2023 World Cups, as well as the 2021 British & Irish Lions series, but then responded with an unbeaten run and ultimately lifted the trophy.

Stik explained that the changes made after the first match were mainly forced, and some were due to injuries. He added that the players understand the series plan, as in such situations at the World Cup, you always want to field the strongest available squad. Although some young players who got a chance to shine were unlucky, several veterans returned from injury and immediately took their positions.

The All Blacks have made adjustments to their squad, although Stik believes the core of their team remains unchanged. 'New Zealand has made a few changes, but you probably know their best 23-man squad, and the core of their team hasn't changed much. They have combinations that work.'

Since the series is tense, Stik believes it lives up to all expectations. 'This rivalry justifies its name, perhaps the best in the world historically, and people get value for their tickets because you never know who will win.'