Overview
- The four-Test series is locked at 1-1 and the third Test in Soweto is treated as the de facto decider with the winner taking a 2-1 edge in the tour before the final match in Baltimore.
- South Africa have recalled Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw to start the match as a deliberate move to press their set-piece advantage and target scrum penalties.
- New Zealand tweaked its tight five to improve lineout ball and late-game impact while keeping the same attacking backs that have produced nine tries across the first two Tests.
- A public row over scrummaging and refereeing has dominated build-up after Cape Town, with both coaches saying they raised concerns through official channels and Amashukeli now under close scrutiny.
- Around 80,000 fans are expected at FNB Stadium and both teams must manage fatigue and bench timing late in the game because New Zealand have outscored South Africa in second halves so far.