New Zealand vs South Africa: Rugby Championship predictions, team news, betting tips and odds

New Zealand vs South Africa date, start time & TV info 

Date Saturday, September 6
Starts 8.05am
Venue Eden Park, Auckland
Competition Rugby Championship
TV Live on Sky Sports Action

The Rugby Championship is a simmering cauldron as all four teams have a record of one win and one defeat going into round three.

New Zealand remain favourites as they top the table thanks to two bonus points and have two home clashes with old rivals South Africa ahead of them.

But the All Blacks have lost their last four meetings with the Springboks and have to deal with a host of injuries, while the Boks have named their strongest team and are sure to put down a huge physical challenge.

Recommended Offer

4/5

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

• Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG)

CLAIM OFFER

18+ T&Cs apply

Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.

New Zealand vs South Africa betting tips & predictions

Best bet

South Africa +4
2pts Evs bet365

New Zealand vs South Africa preview 

South Africa claimed the Rugby Championship title last year thanks to two home wins over New Zealand, and before that pipped the All Blacks in the Rugby World Cup final in Paris as well as recording a huge warm-up win at Twickenham just two months earlier.

That made it four wins in a row for the first time since the 1940s, and to make it five in a row they will have to break an even longer record as they have not won at Eden Park, New Zealand's spiritual home in Auckland, since 1937.

But the pieces are in place for the Boks to dictate play and we should be in for an almighty showdown with the Boks' huge physical presence likely to give them a telling edge.

There was just one point in it when the teams met in the 2023 World Cup final, while both encounters in South Africa last year came down to margins of four and six points, and it would be no surprise if things are just as close on Saturday.

Depleted All Blacks could be vulnerable

While South Africa have named a formidable line-up, packed with experience and power, New Zealand are down to their fourth-choice scrum-half with a Test debutant as back-up on the bench.

Finlay Christie was not in the All Blacks' initial 36-man squad for the tournament but injuries have forced the hand of head coach Scott Robertson, and while other areas of his line-up look strong, the huge Springbok pack plus the kicking game of fly-half Handre Pollard look in prime position to get on the front foot.

Team vs Team betting odds

Odds correct at time of publishing

Want more top sports betting advice? Make sure you take a look at Racing Post Sport's tips for more of the latest picks from our experts.

Recommended Offer

4/5

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

Bet £10 Get £30 in Free Bets

NEW CUSTOMER OFFER

• Best Odds Guaranteed (BOG)

CLAIM OFFER

18+ T&Cs apply

Min deposit requirement. Free Bets are paid as Bet Credits and are available for use upon settlement of bets to value of qualifying deposit. Min odds, bet and payment method exclusions apply. Returns exclude Bet Credits stake. Time limits and T&Cs apply. Registration required.

Read more from our experts ...

Australia vs Argentina: Rugby Championship predictions, team news, betting tips and odds 

Betfred Super League: Castleford vs Wakefield, St Helens vs Wigan predictions, betting tips and odds 

Michael Conlon vs Jack Bateson predictions, odds and betting tips: Bateson can beat faded rival 

FAQs for New Zealand vs South Africa

When is New Zealand vs South Africa in the Rugby Championship?

Kick-off 8.05am Saturday, September 6

Where is New Zealand vs South Africa being played?

The match takes place at Eden Park in Auckland

What is the match betting for New Zealand vs South Africa?

The All Blacks are favourites on home soil at 27-50 while South Africa can be backed at 6-4. The Springboks receive a start of 4.5 points on the handicap.

Click for free bets and betting offers from the Racing Post

Commercial notice: This article contains affiliate links. Offers are handpicked and come from operators our experts have first-hand experience of. Opening an account via one of these links will earn revenue for the Racing Post, which will be used to continue producing our award-winning coverage of horseracing and sports betting.