South Africa Aims for Redemption Against New Zealand in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series
South Africa will strive to level the score in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series as they face New Zealand, who leads the series 1-0 after their victory at Ellis Park, winning 33-16 in the first Test. A second win for New Zealand could secure their dominance in this four-match series, conducted under the leadership of coach Dave Rennie.
The Springboks, under coach Rassie Erasmus, have made strategic changes by recalling several experienced players as they shift the contest to Cape Town. The upcoming match promises to be another thrilling chapter in this historic rivalry.
When is South Africa vs. New Zealand?
The second Test is set to kick off at 4:10 PM BST on Saturday, 29 August, at Cape Town Stadium.
How can I watch it?
Fans in the United Kingdom can catch the action live on Sky Sports, while viewers in South Africa can follow the game on SuperSport.
Team News
For the Springboks, Siya Kolisi returns to captain the side after missing the first Test. Handre Pollard, originally named as fly half, will not play due to a minor injury during training, which keeps Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu in the number 10 jersey. Additionally, Cheslin Kolbe replaces Kurt-Lee Arendse in the starting line-up. Deon Fourie, at 39 years old, is set to make his first international appearance since the 2023 World Cup final, filling in as hooking support for Malcolm Marx.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 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 Manie Libbok.
New Zealand also faces adjustments, with two enforced changes in the tight five due to head injuries sustained by Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord in the first Test. George Bower steps in for de Groot, while Tupou Vaa’i shifts from blindside to lock to partner Fabian Holland. Simon Parker joins the flank, and Leroy Carter is selected on the left wing over Josh Moorby.
New Zealand XV: 1 George Bower, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Fabian Holland, 5 Tupou Vaa’i; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea (capt.); 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.
South Africa will look to hit back in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series after New Zealand went 1-0 up with victory at Ellis Park.
A tremendous performance from the All Blacks saw them turn over their hosts 33-16 in the first Test, and another win here would ensure that Dave Rennie’s side cannot be beaten in this four-match series.
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The Springboks have recalled some of their most experienced figures, though. as Rassie Erasmus seeks a reaction from his squad as the tour relocates to Cape Town.
Another captivating contest could well be in store as this landmark series continues.
Here’s everything you need to know.
When is South Africa vs New Zealand?
The second Test is due to kick off at 4.10pm BST on Saturday 29 August at Cape Town Stadium.
How can I watch It?
Viewers in the United Kingdom can watch every game from the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour live on Sky Sports, while South African viewers can tune in via SuperSport.
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Team news
Siya Kolisi returns to captain the Springboks having been left out of the first Test squad, while Handre Pollard had originally been named at fly half before suffering a niggle in training. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu therefore retains the No 10 shirt, with Cheslin Kolbe also brought in to the starting side on Friday at Kurt-Lee Arendse’s expense.
The 39-year-old Deon Fourie is primed for his first international appearance since the 2023 World Cup final after being named as hooking cover for Malcolm Marx.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Siya Kolisi (capt.), 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Cobus Reinach, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Ethan Hooker, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Damian Willemse.
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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.
New Zealand are forced into two tight five changes after Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord suffered head injuries in the first Test. George Bower steps in for the former having impressed at loosehead off the bench, while Tupou Vaa’i slides a row forward from blindside to lock as Fabian Holland’s partner.
Simon Parker is therefore brought in on the flank, while Leroy Carter is preferred to Josh Moorby on the left wing.
New Zealand XV: 1 George Bower, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Fabian Holland, 5 Tupou Vaa’i; 6 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea (capt.); 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Leroy Carter, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.
Repacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby.
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