South Africa vs New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the Test
South Africa aims to extend its streak against New Zealand in a high-stakes Eden Park showdown
The Springboks are ready to face the All Blacks this Saturday at Eden Park, promising a headline-grabbing clash in the 2025 rugby calendar. South African fans and players alike have been on edge this week as captain Siya Kolisi’s participation was uncertain, but he has now been cleared to start. The Springboks make four changes to their starting XV from the last Test against Australia.
On the New Zealand side, the All Blacks have made three changes to their starting lineup. Emoni Narawa comes in on the right wing for Sevu Reece, while scrumhalf Finlay Christie earns a start amid a spate of injuries in that position.
The match kicks off at 09:05 SA time (19:05 local time in Auckland) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Also read: Springbok Captain Siya Kolisi Could Lead Charge Against All Blacks
Springboks Starting XV
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 15 | Willie le Roux |
| 14 | Cheslin Kolbe |
| 13 | Jesse Kriel (c) |
| 12 | Damian de Allende |
| 11 | Canan Moodie |
| 10 | Handré Pollard |
| 9 | Grant Williams |
| 8 | Siya Kolisi |
| 7 | Pieter-Steph du Toit |
| 6 | Marco van Staden |
| 5 | Ruan Nortje |
| 4 | Eben Etzebeth |
| 3 | Thomas du Toit |
| 2 | Malcolm Marx |
| 1 | Ox Nche |
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker
All Blacks Starting XV
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| 15 | Will Jordan |
| 14 | Emoni Narawa |
| 13 | Billy Proctor |
| 12 | Jordie Barrett |
| 11 | Rieko Ioane |
| 10 | Beauden Barrett |
| 9 | Finlay Christie |
| 8 | Wallace Sititi |
| 7 | Ardie Savea |
| 6 | Simon Parker |
| 5 | Tupou Vaa’i |
| 4 | Scott Barrett (c) |
| 3 | Fletcher Newell |
| 2 | Codie Taylor |
| 1 | Ethan de Groot |
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Tamaiti Williams, Tyrel Lomax, Fabian Holland, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Kyle Preston, Quinn Tupaea, Damian McKenzie
Also read: Springboks Set Sights on Ending All Blacks’ Eden Park Dominance
- Date: Saturday, September 6
- Venue: Eden Park, Auckland
- Kick-off: 09:05 SA time / 19:05 Auckland time
- Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
- Assistant referees: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia), Jordan Way (Australia)
- TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
Springboks vs All Blacks: Stats and Records
- Springboks vs All Blacks Record:
- Played: 108 | Won: 42 | Lost: 62 | Drawn: 4
- Points For: 1,790 | Points Against: 2,235
- Tries Scored: 173 | Tries Conceded: 244
- Win Percentage: 38.8%
- Key Facts:
- The Springboks aim for a fifth consecutive victory against New Zealand, having won the last four meetings and secured the Freedom Cup last season for the first time since 2009.
- Their longest winning streak over the All Blacks was six matches between 1937 and 1949.
- South Africa last defeated New Zealand at Eden Park in 1937.
- Lock Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most capped Springbok with 136 Tests.
- Flanker Siya Kolisi plays his 95th Test, five matches shy of joining the ranks of Springbok centurions.
- Willie le Roux marks his 101st Test after reaching the century against Italy earlier this year.
- Midfield pair Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende will extend their record for most Tests played together to 39.
- Jesse Kriel leads the team for the third time in a Test match.
- The Springbok starting XV boasts a total of 939 Test caps—fourth highest in South African rugby history. Backline caps: 434; forwards: 505; bench: 206.
- Average caps per player: backline 62, forwards 63, bench 26.
This Eden Park encounter promises to be a thrilling test, with the Springboks seeking to break historic ground and continue their impressive run against their fierce rivals.
Related article: Springboks Announce Full Squad for New Zealand Tour as Kolisi Returns
