New Zealand v South Africa predictions: Springboks ready to put up a fight

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for New Zealand v South Africa in the Rugby Championship on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Arena, 8.05am Saturday

Best bet

South Africa +13
2pts 10-11 Betfred

Match preview

The 100th Test match between the All Blacks and Springboks takes place at the Queensland Country Park this weekend but any sense of occasion is likely to be overshadowed by the action on the pitch.

These teams haven't met since the group stage of the 2019 Rugby World Cup, when New Zealand won 23-13, their eighth victory in the last ten meetings.

But since then the New Zealanders have had to sit and watch South Africa become the team everyone is talking about as they went on to win the World Cup and then overcome the British & Irish Lions this summer.

The All Blacks would love to swing the spotlight back their way while onlookers are anticipating a battle of styles between New Zealand's electric running game and the Boks' stifling defence, conservative kicking game and uncompromising forward play.

Having made wholesale changes for last week's win over Argentina, All Blacks coach Ian Foster has named a strong team and first-choice pack, with Beauden Barrett at fly-half.

Towering lock Lood de Jager plus combative back-rower Kwagga Smith return for the Boks and this has the look of a huge forward battle. The last five meetings between these two have seen four victories by one to ten points and a draw so the chance to back the Boks with a double-figure start appeals.

South Africa have suffered back-to-back defeats to Australia in the last two weeks but that is only likely to heighten their resolve.

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