- Here is the South Africa vs New Zealand prediction article for “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” which breaks down form, key players, odds and H2H meetings ahead of the clash.
- The two sides will lock horns on Saturday, August 29, at DHL Stadium.
- Kick off set for 6:10pm EAT.
The world champion Springboks are facing a desperate, must-win situation this Saturday at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, as they look to stop a red-hot All Blacks side from securing a commanding lead in “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.”
The opening Test match at Ellis Park was a brutal wake-up call for South Africa, with New Zealand securing a clinical 33-16 victory.
While the Springboks controlled long periods of territory and possession early on, they were severely punished for failing to convert opportunities near the try line.
ALSO READ: South Africa captain Siya Kolisi cleared to play against All Blacks
The All Blacks put on a defensive masterclass, forcing game-changing turnovers and completely shutting down the Springboks’ momentum in the second half as they ruthlessly scored five tries to pull away.
The stakes could not be higher for both nations this weekend. For South Africa, falling 2-0 behind on home soil is unthinkable and would completely erase their margin for error in this four-Test series.
Rassie Erasmus’ squad must win to level the playing field before the tour shifts back to Johannesburg and then across to Baltimore, USA.
For New Zealand, a victory would guarantee them an unassailable series lead and extend their incredible undefeated streak under head coach Dave Rennie to nine consecutive matches, firmly cementing their place as the world’s top-ranked team.
ALSO READ: How the All Blacks outclassed the Springboks in the first test
What time will the South Africa vs New Zealand match kick off?
The two sides meet on Saturday, August 29, 2026, at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, with kick-off set for 6:10pm East Africa Time.
Springboks vs All Blacks team news
Both camps have been hit by late drama and forced into significant lineup changes.
The Springboks suffered a massive blow when veteran fly-half Handre Pollard pulled out with a late injury, forcing the exciting young Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu into the starting No. 10 jersey.
However, South Africa received a major boost with captain Siya Kolisi cleared to start alongside the returning Cheslin Kolbe.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks have been forced to replace Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord due to concussions, bringing George Bower and Tupou Vaa’i into the tight five, while the explosive Leroy Carter gets his chance on the left wing.
Springboks vs All Blacks lineups
Springboks Rugby Lineup vs All Blacks
- Starting XV: Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje, Siya Kolisi, Paul de Villiers, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Jasper Wiese, Cobus Reinach, Handre Pollard, Ethan Hooker, Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian Willemse
- Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
All Blacks lineup vs Springboks
- Starting XV: George Bower, Codie Taylor, Tyrel Lomax, Fabian Holland, Tupou Vaa’i, Simon Parker, Luke Jacobson, Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard, Ruben Love, Leroy Carter, Jordie Barrett, Quinn Tupaea, Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie
- Replacements: Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby
South Africa vs New Zealand prediction and betting tips
Historically, this is one of the most competitive rivalries in rugby, but Cape Town presents a very unique psychological environment.
DHL Stadium traditionally features a massive, deeply passionate contingent of local All Blacks supporters alongside the home crowd, creating a split atmosphere that often makes the New Zealand players feel right at home.
If the reshuffled All Blacks pack can survive the expected early, furious onslaught from South Africa’s forward unit, their superior transition game and tactical kicking could once again carry them to a historic victory on South African soil.
South Africa enter this second Test as the slight favourites to level the series, but if they switch off like they did in the first match, they could be caught off guard by a New Zealand side determined to take control of the game from the outset.