South Africa to Host New Zealand in Crucial Rugby Championship Clash at Ellis Park
South Africa will face New Zealand in a pivotal Rugby Championship match at Ellis Park, with the Springboks aiming for a third consecutive win over the All Blacks.
Bollywood Fever: South Africa is set to host New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday in the first of two home Rugby Championship encounters, a fixture that could significantly impact this year’s title race. The Springboks, fresh off their historic 35-7 win over the All Blacks in London last August and their narrow 12-11 victory in the World Cup final in Paris, are looking to continue their dominance over their old rivals.
Since South Africa’s readmission to international rugby in 1992, the All Blacks have generally had the upper hand. However, the narrative has shifted recently, with South Africa claiming back-to-back Rugby World Cup titles and their first-ever consecutive victories over New Zealand in over a decade.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, recognized for his innovative approach, and newly appointed attack coach Tony Brown, a former All Black flyhalf, are working to implement a more expansive style of play that complements South Africa’s traditional physicality. The Springboks’ evolving strategy contrasts with New Zealand coach Scott Robertson’s quest to restore the “old All Blacks” aura, which has waned in recent years, including a recent 38-30 home loss to Argentina in Wellington.
New Zealand hooker Codie Taylor acknowledged the evolving nature of the Springboks’ play, stating, “It was always unique coming over here and also just playing them, it’s a different brand of footy. I feel like they’ve evolved and they are playing a lot more attacking rugby now.”
The All Blacks have bolstered their lineup with the return of former captain Sam Cane to the side of the scrum and current skipper Scott Barrett, who has recovered from a broken finger, in the lock position.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s lock crisis has eased slightly with Eben Etzebeth fit to play from the bench. However, they remain without five regulars, forcing flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit to move to the second row alongside Ruan Nortje, who earns his third cap. Despite these challenges, the Springboks have fielded a largely first-choice lineup as they aim for a third consecutive win over the All Blacks, a feat they last achieved in 2009.
Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach emphasized the importance of focus, saying, “We just need to go out there, do our best, and make sure we don’t have any soft moments. We must be switched on all the time and be ready for whatever they throw at us.”
South Africa currently leads the Rugby Championship table with a full haul of 10 points from bonus-point wins in Australia, while New Zealand is second with five points. The second encounter between the two rugby giants will take place in Cape Town on September 7.
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