South Africa and New Zealand clash in the first of four back-to-back Tests as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series launches at Ellis Park.
The southern hemisphere heavyweights are colliding in a landmark tour of this type for the first time in 30 years, with the All Blacks unbeaten since arriving on South African soil. Three warm-up wins have served as useful preparation for Dave Rennie’s side, but the intensity, animosity and physicality will ratchet up significant as the Springboks bid to prove themselves again as the best in the world.
The two head coaches have traded barbs about rugby’s lawbook in their press engagements this week, heightening the tension ahead of the series opener. When last these two met, the world champions meted out a record thrashing of New Zealand in Wellington – can the All Blacks hit back to launch the series in style?
Follow all of the latest from the first Test in Johannesburg with our live blog below:
Springboks v All Blacks: The players that could define first Test
Plenty to go at in the two sides, with each selection instructive over how each team may wish to play. Here are five figures who could define this first Test:
Ardie Savea returns to lead New Zealand as All Blacks make fly half decision for first Test against South Africa
New Zealand, meanwhile, are bolstered by their captain as Ardie Savea returns from a rest to lead the All Blacks.
Siya Kolisi left out as South Africa reveal team for first New Zealand Test
Rassie Erasmus delayed the naming of his Springboks team until Thursday, atypically late for the South Africa head coach – but there was still some major news:
South Africa vs New Zealand LIVE
A mighty meeting of southern hemisphere heavyweights launches properly this afternoon as South Africa and New Zealand embark on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. The storied Ellis Park is our venue for the first of four Tests between the pair as the Springboks and All Blacks collide – this should be very, very tasty indeed.
Kick off is at 4.10pm BST.
