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The World Cup is just around the corner and the action is beginning to heat up with a blockbuster clash between the All Blacks and Springboks at Twickenham on Saturday morning (AEST). Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 4:30am (AEST).
Any doubts around either side fielding a weakened squad ahead of the World Cup have been allayed, with both Ian Foster and Jacques Nienaber naming near full-strength sides for this match in London.
The Springboks will be out for revenge after they came up against a rampant All Blacks side in their Rugby Championship clash in Auckland back in July. Siya Kolisi’s return from a knee injury last week against Wales has given him some confidence, and he will lead a strong and physical-looking team.
The one concern the Springboks have is their lack of consistent goalkicking, with Manie Libbok struggling off the kicking tee. There are backups in Faf de Klerk and Damian Willemse, so it remains to be seen who will get first crack.
Interestingly, both coaches have gone with a 6/2 split on the bench that could indicate a physical game is in store before the forward contingent from the benches are emptied, including the ‘Bomb squad’ of the Springboks in addition to the giant RG Snyman.
Ian Foster’s side have not played since the Bledisloe Cup win over Australia in Dunedin three weeks ago, and only have the one injury concern in Shannon Frizell. Brodie Retallick is still out with a knee injury, but the side named is still very strong, including Aaron Smith and Richie Mo’unga in the halves.
The centre pairing of Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane is starting to build nicely but the wing partnership of Mark Telea and Will Jordan will need to be on their toes against Makazole Mapimpi and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
The fresh All Blacks side will want to get out to a handy lead, as their bench looks less experienced and could be a decisive factor around the 60-minute mark.
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Prediction
It will be close – New Zealand by 4.
Game information
Venue: Twickenham, London Kick-off: 4:30am (AEST) Streaming:Stan Sport Betting: All Blacks $1.48, Springboks $2.70 – odds via PlayUp
Teams
All Blacks
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Dane Coles, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett, 5. Samuel Whitelock, 6. Luke Jacobson, 7. Sam Cane (c), 8. Ardie Savea, 9. Aaron Smith, 10. Richie Mo’unga, 11. Mark Telea, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Beauden Barrett.
