The Sharks host New Zealand in Durban as the All Blacks continue to gear up for four Tests against South Africa on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour.
Dave Rennie’s side opened their trip with a scratchy victory over the Stormers, and there is an entirely fresh look to their side as the head coach looks at his options ahead of next Saturday’s first Test. Rennie will be hoping to see greater fluency in phase play from his remodelled squad against another talented team – and one that includes one of New Zealand’s own.
The ageless Ma’a Nonu won 103 All Blacks caps and two World Cups during his international career, and is still going strong at 44. The veteran centre is set to feature off the bench for a Sharks side that incudes top talent Vusi Moyo at fly half, and will be hoping to impress against their illustrious opposition at Kings Park.
Follow all of the latest from the tour game with our live blog below:
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
There’s quite a lot going on with this tour, which brings together old rivals and may have a huge bearing on rugby’s future – as I attempted to explain last week:
Siya Kolisi suffers hamstring injury in huge blow to South Africa ahead of New Zealand series
The Springboks, though, weren’t too hot in a fully-fledged Test against a depleted Argentina in Buenos Aires on Saturday – and lost captain Siya Kolisi to injury. The severity has not been confirmed yet, but Deon Fourie has been called up to the squad as cover for the South Africa skipper.
All Blacks battle past Stormers in unconvincing start to South Africa tour
It wasn’t necessarily a vintage All Blacks performance in Cape Town against the Stormers, even if they eventually got the job done. What bearing will a sloppy showing have on Test selection? It feels like Ruben Love has a chance to seize the No 10 shirt tonight with Beauden Barrett looking short of his best.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
Match two of the tour takes place in Durban, with next Saturday’s Test opener in Johannesburg not far away now at all:
Sharks vs New Zealand LIVE
The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour rolls on as the All Blacks relocate to Durban for a meeting with the Sharks. Dave Rennie’s side were scratchy against the Stormers – will a better performance come today as the Springboks series looms into view?
Kick off is at 6.10pm BST.
