Springboks vs All Blacks Test 2 Preview

So much has happened in one day, and it is difficult to know what the outcome of the game will be. Nika Amashukeli is ill, and he has been replaced by Angus Gardner. In recent times, the Springboks have performed well when Amashukeli was the referee, so this is probably bad news for the Springboks.

Dave Rennie approached World Rugby about the Springbok scrum. What impact will that have on Gardner? Matthew Carley was certainly influenced by all the talk during the week, so it will most likely happen again.

It looks as if it is going to be wet in Cape Town. The All Blacks are very accustomed to wet weather conditions, and they will not be fazed by that at all.

I woke up to the news that Handré Pollard will not play due to a calf injury. He was picked for his experience in the most difficult matches, possibly in Springbok history. Not many players can say that they had to make the World Cup-winning kick in a Springbok jersey. I believe that he was the right pick for this match because of what he has done for the Springboks in the past when it mattered most.

Sacha will start again tomorrow, and he will have to show massive improvement in one week at his home ground.

Both teams made a few changes. Some of them were forced. The All Blacks brought Parker in, and Vaa'i moved to the lock position. Bower replaced De Groot. The Springboks added Lood de Jager and Thomas du Toit to the bench. They bring added bulk and experience on what could be a heavy, slippery field.

Rugby lovers are divided about the inclusion of Deon Fourie as hooker cover. I believe that the plan is for Marx to play the entire match, and Fourie will come on for Kolisi. Deon Fourie should have a massive impact when he comes on, but if Marx gets injured, the lineouts might become a bit of a mess.

Rassie has gone against what he normally does by picking Kolbe late on instead of Kurt-Lee Arendse. This is a big boost for the Springboks in terms of his undoubted talent and his new role as goal kicker.

I always try and picture the game in my head and predict how it is going to go. The All Blacks will do the same as last week and try and get the ball wide as quickly as possible. They are more skilled at giving the ball air than the Springboks, especially in wet conditions.

The scrum success of the Springboks will depend on Angus Gardner to an extent, but I can't see the All Blacks winning that battle. Scrum penalties will have to lead to points.

The Springboks will have to dominate the aerial battle to have any chance of winning the game. I wish the Springboks would kick at goal every opportunity that they get. The All Blacks might even surprise everyone and do the same.

I have to follow my heart, and I so badly want the series to stay interesting after this match. I am going to say a Springbok win by a small margin. Less than 5 points.