Overview
- The four‑Test series is tied 1‑1 and the third Test at FNB Stadium on Saturday will effectively decide who claims the South African leg of the tour.
- A public dispute over scrummaging has escalated since the Cape Town Test after All Blacks coach Dave Rennie raised concerns and Rassie Erasmus and Bok staff publicly rebutted those claims.
- Georgian referee Nika Amashukeli has been appointed for the match and his calls on scrum collapses, resets and hooker spacing are being watched closely by both camps.
- South Africa have named their preferred front row of Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw to press a set‑piece game plan while Cheslin Kolbe’s move to fullback and perfect goal‑kicking have added a tactical edge.
- New Zealand have scored more tries (nine to South Africa’s four) but carry heavier minutes and recent injuries, so lineout accuracy, bench timing and late‑game fitness are likely to decide the outcome and shape the series heading to Baltimore.