All Blacks vs Springboks Preview

I find this match very hard to call, and my first instinct says that the Springboks haven't had enough game time together as a group. That makes me feel that we might lose this one, as has happened before against the British & Irish Lions and in World Cup pool matches. I really hope that doesn't happen.

I'm not sure whether altitude really plays a part in modern rugby, but it would certainly be a great help if it is a factor. It is supposed to be intimidating playing at Ellis Park, but the last time I was there, in 2022, it was a difficult day for the Springboks. It looked as if they had the victory in the bag, but they ended up losing 35–23, courtesy of a couple of late tries from the All Blacks.

This is going to be a battle between structure and set piece versus flair. If the Springboks can keep the All Blacks out for the first 15 minutes, they will have the advantage. If the opposite happens, the Springboks will be under pressure from the start.

The Springbok bench doesn't seem to have the same firepower without RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith, even though there are some strong ball carriers picked to lay down the hammer in the last third of the match.

Man for man, I have to believe that the Springboks are the better team, and home advantage should help. This might be a heart decision, but I'm going with the Springboks by 12.