Overview

• Rassie Erasmus named a near full-strength 36-man squad for the tour, with Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willie le Roux and Jan-Hendrik Wessels medically cleared to return.
• South Africa have traveled to New Zealand for Tests on September 6 at Eden Park and September 13 in Wellington, marking their first Eden Park appearance since 2013.
• New Zealand carry a 50-Test unbeaten run at Eden Park over roughly 33 years, while South Africa’s last win at the venue came in 1937.
• Prop Asenathi Ntlabakanye was left out after a doping ban, with the Boks otherwise close to full strength following recent injuries and niggles.
• With all four Rugby Championship teams on one win, outcomes in New Zealand will influence South Africa’s title defense, retention of the Freedom Cup and a possible return to the No. 1 world ranking.