South Africa vs New Zealand Predictions: Judgement day in Joburg

After some hot-and-cold performances against the English and Pumas, Scott Robertson’s All Blacks will walk into the Lions den this weekend – but can they stand up to the challenge against South Africa..

As always we've asked our Rugby expert Alex Cox to give us his South Africa vs New Zealand Prediction and here is his full write-up.

The Springboks and All Blacks fixtures has produced some enthralling Test Matches over the years and the two giants of Rugby will go head-to-head in the latest encounter in that long-stranding rivalry.

Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg is a hostile ground for any visiting side, but the noise decibels are always raised a few extra notches when New Zealand are in town, producing a feisty atmosphere that will set the tone on the pitch too.

The Springboks currently sit first in the World Rankings, with the All Blacks chasing their tails in third. Rassie has not taken his foot off the gas since lifting the World Cup last year, instead he is blooding new talent and extending his squad’s depth, which is terrifying for all other Nations in world rugby.

They produced two solid performances in Australia although I came away from their Tour with a feeling they spent the majority of time in 3rd or 4th gear. Although they will be keen to get into higher gears this weekend, the All Blacks pose a different threat to the underwhelming Wallabies.

Scott Robertson has probably achieved a ‘pass’ mark for the results during his early tenure. Two wins against the English, a rout against the Pumas, however sandwiched between those was a disappointing loss in the first Test against Argentina. Although they bounced back quickly at Eden Park, they demonstrated they are vulnerable when put under pressure.

I’m sure Robertson would have preferred a few more Test Matches under his belt with his side before heading to Johannesburg, however it’s presented an opportunity for the All Blacks they won’t lie down whilst the Boks reign at the top of the World Rugby tree.

This Test Match has provided us with something rarer than a solar eclipse – New Zealand as seven point underdogs. The Springboks should win this game, however New Zealand have a point to prove in their bid to knock off the Springboks, so I’m happy to enjoy the game with a smaller stake on the All Blacks to win at a big price of 2/1.

Team News: 

South Africa

After an experimental side was given an opportunity in Perth, Rassie has largely returned to his strongest side. The front-row will be Nche, Mbonambi and Malherbe, with Nortje and Pieter-Steph du Toit in behind them. Etzebeth has been a doubt this week and despite not being named in the original team, has now been declared fit enough for the bench.

The back-row will be skipper Kolisi, the work-horse Dixon and the returning Wiese. Jasper Wiese has not featured so far this tournament but returns to add an impact here and he now has Erligh Louw hot on his heels after some impressive performances in Australia.

Reinach returns at scrum-half and Rassie continues to back youngster Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezelu at fly-half, with this game representing his third successive start. De Allende and Kriel will be the solid midfield duo, with Arendse and Kolbe continuing out on the wings. Arendse especially has been in fine form, with his fast feet and speed causing havoc for opposition defenders.

No Willie Le Roux this week, meaning it’s Fassi retained at full-back. I have been critical of him before but he put on a good show in Perth and will be looking to string some performances together.

New Zealand

The All Blacks has a settled side once again, but with a few notable inclusions too. Williams, veteran Taylor and Lomax are retained as the front-row trio after their impressive scrummaging performance in Auckland. They will need to be reaching similar levels to keep this Springbok pack at bay. Scott Barrett and Vaa’I continue in the second-row and the loose trio will be Blackadder, Cane and Savea. With Papali’I injured, Robertson has opted to recall an All Black great in Sam Cane, who has already confirmed this will be his final season of International rugby.

Perenara will be alongside McKenzie once again as half-back pairings. The pair produced a better performance in regards to the territory battle in Auckland, however there is still a doubt if they have the kicking game required at the highest level of Test rugby. Jordie Barrett and Ioane will be in the midfield, with Clarke and Jordan on the wings. Maestro Beauden Barrett will be at full-back once again and the All Blacks will need their talisman to produce his best in Johannesburg.

South Africa vs New Zealand Odds

South Africa are priced at 2/5 favoiurites to win this game, with New Zealand generously priced at 2/1. A draw can be backed at 20/1.

New Zealand to win @ 2/1

The All Blacks have historically struggled against the Bok set-piece and whilst the Springboks are still extremely strong in this area, the All-Blacks seem to have strengthened up-front. They completed annihilated the Pumas scrum in Auckland which will give them plenty of confidence in competing hard against the Boks.

I do not envision the Springboks running away with this game and the All Blacks have the ability and quality in their ranks to spring a surprise and come away with an upset victory.

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