Springboks host All Blacks in Cape Town with series on the line

Second Test arrives at DHL Stadium

The Springboks and All Blacks meet at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday afternoon for the second Test of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, with the home side needing a win to keep the series alive after losing the opening match in Johannesburg. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10, with the match broadcast live on SuperSport. Cold and rainy weather has done little to dampen the mood among supporters, with fans in green and gold gathering at a nearby fan park and making their way into the venue ahead of the clash.

Springbok changes bring Kolbe and Feinberg-Mngomezulu in

Rassie Erasmus's side has been reshuffled from the Ellis Park defeat, with Cheslin Kolbe and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu drafted into the starting XV after Kurt-Lee Arendse and Handre Pollard dropped out. Siya Kolisi captains the side from the back row alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese, while the starting lineup carries 1,012 Test caps in total, the highest ever fielded by South Africa.

Late referee switch sees Gardner take charge

There was a late change to the match officials, with Nika Amashukeli ruled out through illness. Angus Gardner (Australia) steps in to referee, assisted by Karl Dickson (England) and Sam Grove-White (Scotland), with Brett Cronan (Australia) as TMO and Eric Gauzins (France) as FPRO.

Springbok milestones stack up at DHL Stadium

Pieter-Steph du Toit is set to become the 11th Springbok to reach 100 Test caps, following Damian de Allende who hit the mark at Ellis Park last week. Ox Nche is poised for his 50th Test, Eben Etzebeth is set to extend his all-time Springbok caps record to 144, and Deon Fourie, should he come on, will become the oldest Springbok Test player at 39, surpassing Victor Matfield and Schalk Brits. The match also marks Fourie's first appearance since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final against New Zealand.

All Blacks hold lead but history weighs against them

The All Blacks, captained by Ardie Savea, head into the match with a 1-0 series lead after their Johannesburg victory. New Zealand's overall Test record against South Africa stands at 64 wins to 43 from 111 matches, with four draws, though the Springboks have won five of the last seven meetings dating back to August 2023. The last Cape Town meeting between the sides came in the 2024 Rugby Championship, won 18-12 by South Africa.