Overview
- The Springboks beat the All Blacks 29-24 in Johannesburg to move 2-1 ahead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series after a match decided by scrum and maul dominance.
- Saturday’s result left Cheslin Kolbe with a fractured jaw so he did not travel to the United States and Damian Willemse returns at fullback in the side named by Rassie Erasmus.
- Erasmus made only one other change, promoting Morné van den Berg to start at scrumhalf with Cobus Reinach shifted to the bench as part of a largely settled matchday 23.
- Coaches and players say set pieces and maul control were decisive in Johannesburg and referee interpretations of scrums and breakdowns are expected to be a key tactical focus in the final Test.
- A Springboks victory at M&T Bank Stadium on Saturday would clinch the inaugural Rivalry trophy for South Africa while a New Zealand win would level the series at two wins each, and New Zealand are set to adjust their selection after reports of injuries to key players.