Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
2024 Rugby Championship
South Africa v New Zealand
Cape Town Stadium
Cape Town, South Africa
Saturday, 7 September 2022
Kick-off is at 17h00
South Africa are well poised to win their first
Rugby Championship title since 2019 as they prepare to host New Zealand at the Cape Town Stadium in the fourth round on Saturday, September 7.
The Springboks have built up an eight-point lead over the defending champions after they battled back from 10 points down to beat their arch-rivals 31-27 in Johannesburg on August 31.
It was a third straight win for Rassie Erasmus' side in the competition and means they could be crowned 2024 champions with two rounds to spare if results go their way this weekend.
Erasmus has made seven changes for the crunch clash in Cape Town, with 19 World Cup winners featuring in his squad and sees Handre Pollard and Willie Le Roux starting for the first time this year.
Boks captain Siya Kolisi retains his place in the team after recovering from a facial injury he sustained at Ellis Park last weekend, while Eben Etzebeth returns at lock after sitting out the first Test against the All Blacks with a knee problem.
Image source: Alamy Stock Photo
Erasmus expects another bruising encounter against New Zealand and insists he isn't looking any further ahead than that despite being on the brink of a "fantastic" achievement.
"This match is going to be massive. New Zealand are a world-class outfit and we know that they'll be desperate to bounce back after leading in the second half last week," he said.
"It would be fantastic to achieve that (win the tournament) as a team, but if you look too far ahead it comes back to bite you.
"The focus for us all week is to try to deliver the best possible performance we can against New Zealand and to correct the wrongs of last week.
"New Zealand have not been the best team in the world for some many years for nothing. They're a formidable team and they've shown in the past against us that you never write them off.
"We saw how they bounced back against Argentina after losing their first match of the tournament. They'll also be motivated by the fact that Cape Town has been a good hunting ground for them; they'll be inspired to make a strong statement this week."
Opposite number Scott Robertson has made four changes from the Ellis Park defeat, two of them enforced as he looks to keep their 2024 Rugby Championship challenge alive.
Ethan Blackadder and Caleb Clarke are both ruled out through injury, which provides opportunities for Wallace Sititi and Mark Tele'a to start.
Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara drop to the bench, with Will Jordan shifting to full-back from ring-wing and Cortez Ratima slotting in at scrum-half, while Sevu Reece takes his place on the wing.
Robertson has welcomed the support in the Mother City and has promised the fans a passionate performance from the All Blacks.
"It's been great to feel the support in Cape Town this week and we're looking forward to playing in a city with a rich rugby history and deep support for the All Blacks," he said.
"TJ and Beauden will add significant experience and leadership when they run out and the 23 selected will put in a performance our fans both here in Cape Town and at home in New Zealand will be proud of."
Head-to-Head:
Matches - 106
South Africa - 41
New Zealand - 62
Draws - 4
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