{"id":40527,"date":"2026-08-19T16:51:24","date_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:51:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=40527"},"modified":"2026-08-19T16:51:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-19T14:51:25","slug":"springboks-and-all-blacks-battle","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/springboks-and-all-blacks-battle\/","title":{"rendered":"Springboks and All Blacks Brace for Brutal Ellis Park Battle as Scrum and Breakdown Take Centre Stage"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springboks and All Blacks are expecting another fiercely contested Test when Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry returns to Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026. Players and coaches from both camps have identified the scrum, breakdown and physical battle up front as the areas most likely to determine the outcome. With both sides completing their preparations and team announcements expected later this week, anticipation continues to build ahead of one of the biggest sporting events on Gauteng&#8217;s calendar.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-3364497297\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speaking during separate media briefings this week, Springbok assistant coach Felix Jones, hooker Malcolm Marx and All Blacks assistant coach Tana Umaga all acknowledged that small moments and physical dominance could prove decisive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/springboks-receive-siya-kolisi-fitness\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Springboks Receive Siya Kolisi Fitness Boost Ahead of All Blacks Test at Ellis Park<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Scrum Battle Expected to Shape the Contest<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Springbok hooker Malcolm Marx believes New Zealand will target South Africa&#8217;s scrum <a href=\"https:\/\/springboks.rugby\/news-features\/articles\/2026\/8\/19\/marx-bracing-for-massive-battle-against-all-blacks\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">despite the Springboks <\/a>dominating that area during previous meetings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marx said last year&#8217;s performances would have little bearing on Saturday&#8217;s encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;We know the All Blacks will come after us at scrum time and we are working hard at it, but so are they,&#8221; he said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He added that the Springboks could not rely on previous victories and would instead need to earn dominance through their preparation and execution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Marx described New Zealand&#8217;s front row as technically strong and said every hooker in the Springbok squad understood the challenge awaiting them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Marx, both teams have spent considerable time analysing each other&#8217;s strengths before the opening Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Felix Jones Expects Intensity from the First Minute<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assistant coach Felix Jones believes neither side will enter the match underprepared.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">South Africa have built towards the series through Tests against the Barbarians, England, Scotland, Wales and Argentina, while New Zealand completed matches against South African United Rugby Championship franchises before beginning the Test series.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jones said no amount of preparation could fully replicate the intensity of a Springboks versus All Blacks Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;I think both teams are going to feel really prepared going into the game,&#8221; Jones said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He added that New Zealand had shown a clear evolution in its playing style under its current coaching group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Jones, the All Blacks have increased their kicking options, extended their phase play and shown greater willingness to keep possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-664313978\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Breakdown and Driving Mauls Under the Spotlight<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springbok coaching staff have also studied feedback from the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers after those teams faced the touring All Blacks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jones said several consistent themes emerged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One area involved the contest at the breakdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said local franchises had raised concerns about techniques used during rucks and physical contests around possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another recurring issue involved defending driving mauls close to the try line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jones said South Africa would continue to embrace the physical nature of Test rugby while expecting all contests to remain within the laws of the game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He stressed that player safety remains an important consideration at international level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All Blacks Preparing for Every Springbok Threat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">New Zealand assistant coach Tana Umaga acknowledged the challenge awaiting his side at Ellis Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Umaga said the Springboks possess far more than traditional forward strength.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to him, South Africa&#8217;s attack has developed significantly while maintaining one of the world&#8217;s most powerful forward packs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got to expect a lot of what they&#8217;re good at, and we know that&#8217;s coming, but with the coaching staff that they have in their group, we&#8217;ve got to be ready for anything,&#8221; Umaga said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He said the All Blacks must avoid giving South Africa opportunities to build pressure in areas where the Springboks traditionally dominate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That includes limiting set piece opportunities and protecting possession.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fast Starts Could Be Critical<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Jones identified another key area that South Africa hopes to improve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The assistant coach said New Zealand has built a reputation for starting Tests with exceptional intensity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He pointed to last year&#8217;s meeting in Auckland, where the All Blacks scored early before South Africa fought back.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Jones, the Springboks understand the importance of matching that intensity from kickoff.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The coaching staff believe allowing New Zealand early momentum could make the match significantly more difficult.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-664313978\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Team Selection Still to Come<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Neither side has confirmed its starting line up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus will announce his squad on Thursday after delaying selection earlier in the week.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The All Blacks are also expected to reveal their team closer to the match.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Grant Williams said selection remains a privilege rather than an expectation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Springbok scrumhalf said every player understands that individual ambitions come second to the team&#8217;s objectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Ellis Park Ready for Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ellis Park will once again host one of world rugby&#8217;s most celebrated rivalries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Johannesburg stadium has witnessed many memorable Springboks versus All Blacks encounters and is expected to welcome another capacity crowd this weekend.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The fixture also forms part of a busy sporting period for Gauteng, attracting supporters from across South Africa and abroad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hotels, restaurants and businesses around Johannesburg are expected to benefit from increased visitor numbers as rugby supporters travel to the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means for Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Saturday&#8217;s Test represents one of the biggest sporting events on Gauteng&#8217;s calendar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supporters travelling to Ellis Park should plan their journeys early, expect increased traffic around Johannesburg&#8217;s stadium precinct and allow extra time for parking and public transport.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The match also provides another opportunity for Gauteng to host a major international sporting event, bringing visitors into the province and showcasing Johannesburg as one of rugby&#8217;s iconic venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When do the Springboks play the All Blacks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The opening Test takes place on <strong>Saturday, 22 August 2026<\/strong>, at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What are the key battles expected during the match?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Both teams have highlighted the scrum, breakdown, driving mauls and fast starts as critical areas likely to influence the result.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why is Ellis Park important?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ellis Park has hosted many historic Springboks versus All Blacks Tests and remains one of international rugby&#8217;s most recognised venues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will the Springbok team be announced?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Head coach Rassie Erasmus is expected to announce the matchday squad on Thursday before the weekend Test.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What have the All Blacks said about the Springboks?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Assistant coach Tana Umaga said New Zealand expects South Africa to present multiple threats through its powerful forwards and evolving attacking game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the countdown to kickoff continues, both teams have made it clear that Saturday&#8217;s encounter will be decided by execution rather than reputation. While the Springboks are preparing to impose themselves through physicality and discipline, the All Blacks have acknowledged the challenge awaiting them at Ellis Park. With the scrum, breakdown and tactical battle expected to shape the contest, Gauteng is set to host another memorable chapter in one of world rugby&#8217;s greatest rivalries.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Springboks and All Blacks are expecting another fiercely contested Test when Rugby&#8217;s Greatest Rivalry returns to Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August 2026. Players and coaches from both camps have identified the scrum, breakdown and physical battle up front as the areas most likely to determine the outcome. With both sides completing their preparations and team announcements expected later this week, anticipation continues to build ahead of one of the biggest sporting events on Gauteng&#8217;s calendar.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":40531,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"springboks,ellis park","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[56],"tags":[423,868,873],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-40527","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-sports","tag-gauteng-sports","tag-rugby","tag-springboks"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40527","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=40527"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40527\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":40530,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/40527\/revisions\/40530"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/40531"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=40527"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=40527"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=40527"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=40527"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}