The Springboks are sharpening their defence ahead of Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at FNB Stadium in Soweto, with wing Kurt Lee Arendse saying the hosts have worked extensively on limiting New Zealand’s dangerous attack. The rivals meet in Johannesburg on 5 September 2026 at 17:10, with the four Test series level at one win each and South Africa looking to take the advantage before the final match in the United States. Ticketmaster continues to list tickets for the FNB Stadium fixture, with official sales handled through authorised channels.
The match will also bring the Springboks back to South Africa’s largest stadium, where a crowd approaching 90 000 could create one of the biggest rugby atmospheres of the season.
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Springboks Focus On Stopping All Blacks Tries
New Zealand’s ability to score tries has been one of the defining features of the series so far.
The All Blacks scored five tries during their 33 to 16 victory over the Springboks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg in the opening Test.
They followed that with another four tries in Cape Town, although South Africa responded with three tries of their own and secured a 33 to 26 victory to level the series.
Arendse said the Springboks were aware of the threat posed by New Zealand’s backline and had been working on defensive improvements during the week.
“We know the All Blacks are a good attacking side, and we have put things into place to counter that,” Arendse said.
He added that South Africa had focused more on their own performance during preparations for the Soweto match instead of spending too much time worrying about the opposition.
Arendse Returns To The Starting Team
Arendse returns to the Springbok matchday side after a disrupted start to the series.
The wing featured in the opening Test at Ellis Park and was initially selected for the second match in Cape Town before being withdrawn when Cheslin Kolbe returned to fitness.
With Damian Willemse unavailable for Saturday’s match because of a hamstring injury, Kolbe moves to fullback while Arendse returns on the right wing.
Ethan Hooker remains on the left wing.
Arendse said playing alongside Kolbe in a different position would not significantly change the combination.
He said communication between the players had worked well during training and would remain important against an All Blacks team capable of attacking quickly in wider areas.
FNB Stadium Adds Another Challenge
Saturday’s match also represents an unusual experience for much of the current Springbok squad.
Former Springbok flyhalf Morne Steyn, who has previously played Tests at FNB Stadium, said competing in front of a crowd of around 90 000 creates an atmosphere unlike most other South African rugby venues.
Only a small number of players in the current squad have previously represented the Springboks at the stadium.
Eben Etzebeth played against the All Blacks there in 2012 and Argentina in 2013, while Siya Kolisi came off the bench during the Argentina Test.
Arendse said his previous experience of the stadium came while attending the Soweto Derby in 2023.
He expects a similarly intense atmosphere when South Africa and New Zealand meet on Saturday.
Springboks Have History To Rewrite In Soweto
The Springboks have played the All Blacks twice at FNB Stadium and lost both matches.
New Zealand won 29 to 22 in 2010 before beating South Africa 32 to 16 at the venue in 2012.
The Springboks returned in 2013 and recorded a 73 to 13 victory over Argentina.
Saturday therefore gives the current side an opportunity to secure South Africa’s first victory over the All Blacks at the stadium.
It also comes at a crucial point in the series.
With the teams level at one win each, victory in Soweto would ensure the winner travels to the final Test in Baltimore with an opportunity to claim the series outright.
Thousands Of Fans Expected At FNB Stadium
FNB Stadium has a ticketed capacity of 87 436 for Saturday’s match, according to information supplied ahead of the fixture.
Ticketmaster currently lists the Springboks versus All Blacks Test for 17:10 on Saturday, 5 September at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Official park and ride options are also listed for matchday.
Current Ticketmaster listings show remaining Category B seats at R2 850, while Category A seats are listed at R4 000, although availability can change as the match approaches.
SA Rugby says official Springbok Test tickets in South Africa are sold through its authorised Ticketmaster platform and has previously warned supporters against purchasing tickets through unofficial sellers.
Defence Could Decide Saturday’s Contest
For the Springboks, preventing New Zealand from creating space on the edges will be a major challenge.
The All Blacks have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to convert opportunities into tries during the first two matches.
Arendse said the Springboks review their defence every week and had specifically addressed areas where they fell short during the Cape Town match.
The South Africans will also be hoping that their physical forward play, kicking game and improved defensive organisation can reduce the number of attacking opportunities New Zealand receives.
The scrum has meanwhile remained another talking point throughout the series, although Arendse jokingly suggested the Springbok coaching staff considered the matter resolved.
What This Means For Gauteng Residents
Saturday’s match places Soweto at the centre of one of international rugby’s biggest rivalries.
Residents around Johannesburg can expect increased activity around Nasrec and surrounding transport routes as thousands of supporters travel to FNB Stadium.
For those attending, purchasing tickets, parking and transport through official channels remains important.
The fixture also presents an opportunity for visitors to spend time in Soweto before or after the match, with restaurants, accommodation establishments and local tourism businesses likely to experience increased matchday activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
When Are The Springboks Playing The All Blacks At FNB Stadium?
The match takes place on Saturday, 5 September 2026, with kick off scheduled for 17:10.
Where Is The Match Being Played?
The third Test will be played at FNB Stadium in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
What Is The Series Score?
The four Test series is currently level at one win each.
Are Tickets Still Available?
Ticketmaster currently lists tickets for the match, including Category B and Category A seating, although availability may change before Saturday.
Where Should Fans Buy Springbok Tickets?
SA Rugby says tickets for Springbok Tests in South Africa should be purchased through its authorised Ticketmaster platform.
All Eyes On Soweto
The Springboks enter Saturday’s FNB Stadium clash knowing that containing New Zealand’s attack could determine who takes control of the series. With Arendse back in the starting team, Kolbe shifting to fullback and a massive Soweto crowd expected, South Africa will have both home support and history on the line.
Victory would give the Springboks a two to one series advantage before the rivals leave South Africa for their final meeting in Baltimore on 12 September.
