Image copyright: Getty Images
2023 Rugby Championship
New Zealand v South Africa
Mount Smart Stadium
Auckland, New Zealand
Saturday, 15 July 2023
Kick-off is at 09h05
South Africa will continue their preparations for the 2023 World Cup when they take on New Zealand in the second round of the
Rugby Championship at the Mount Smart Stadium on Saturday, July 15.
The Springboks kicked off proceedings in the annual southern hemisphere competition with a convincing 43–12 victory over Australia at Loftus Versfeld last weekend, picking up a bonus point in the process.
Kurt-Lee Arendse played a starring role against the Wallabies, scoring three tries in what was his eighth appearance for Jacques Nienaber's side.
The reigning world champions faced the All Blacks twice on home soil last year, winning 26–10 at the Mbombela Stadium on August 6 before slipping to a 35-23 defeat at Ellis Park the following weekend.
They would end up losing out on a first title since 2019 by a single point to the New Zealanders, who earned a losing bonus against Argentina.
Image copyright: Getty Images
Nienaber added 21 players to the initial group of 14 that departed for New Zealand earlier this week, with Arendse, Duane Vermeulen, Marco van Staden, Jean Kleyn and Manie Libbok included in the travelling party after featuring last weekend.
"It was always part of our planning that some of the players who ran out in the Test against Australia would travel to New Zealand, and given some impressive performances today, we decided to take a few more players than we originally planned for," SA Rugby director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said.
"We now have the luxury of having a bunch of fresh of players to work with in New Zealand from Monday, and they'll be joined by a group who have experienced the physicality of Australia and who can add energy and momentum at training from Tuesday."
New Zealand also made a winning start as they too claimed a bonus point after comprehensively beating Argentina 41-12 at the Estadio Malvinas Argentinas.
There were seven different try scorers for Ian Foster's side, while Damian McKenzie managed to convert just three of those with his boot as he struggled from the tee.
The All Blacks haven't beaten the Boks in their own backyard since 16 September 2017 when they romped to a 57–0 victory at the North Harbour Stadium.
With this year's format reduced to three rounds due to the World Cup kicking off in France in two months, this match is seen as the title decider and Foster is looking forward to meeting their old foes.
"A big one - it's always big, we love playing South Africa," he said. "They have taken 10, 11 or 12 players and put them over in Auckland early, so they have clearly got a plan, but our purpose in these first two weeks is to get this group together. There is no better foe to play next week."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 103
New Zealand - 61
South Africa - 38
Draws - 4
Place your rugby bets when you want & how you want
Whether you’re a Super Rugby fan keeping an eye on the top clubs in the world, a supporter of the Six Nations or perhaps prefer a southern hemisphere standoff in the The Rugby Championship, Betway South Africa is the perfect place for you to start betting on Rugby. So log in now or register a new account to start your online rugby betting adventure with Betway.
For all the latest sports news, betting tips and promotions follow Betway on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. Download the Betway App.