All Blacks vs Springboks Preview: Can the World Champions breach fortress Eden Park?

Fewer rivalries hold the aura and gravitas of the annual clash of international heavyweight giants: The Springboks against the All Blacks.

A game that has been played since 1921 and has been described as one of the most intense bouts in rugby history has brought worldwide attention and enjoyment to millions of fans across the globe, and once again, this Saturday, the two will go head to head in one of the most iconic international stadiums: Eden Park.

Saturday’s game promises to be a headline fixture. The Springboks haven’t won at Eden Park in 88 years, as the All Blacks’ spiritual home is one of the toughest places to get a win in internationally.

Currently on a 50-game unbeaten run at Eden Park, Scott Robertson’s team will go into the game with a reassuring confidence and a comfortable record of 80 wins out of 93 in this venue.

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Ardie Savea

New Zealand Flanker and Number 8 Ardie Savea is set to receive his 100th cap at Eden Park on Saturday, making him the 15th centaurion for the All Blacks.

“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black. He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership, and mana every time he pulls on the jersey.

“We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day.” Said Robertson.

Springboks

Mastermind Erasmus, however, has a wealth of rugby knowledge and battle-hardened, skilful players at his disposal.

Going for the strongest side possible for Saturday’s big game with the likes of World Cup-winning Captain Siya Kolisi, formidable Lock Eben Etzebeth and two-time world player of the year Pieter-Steph du Toit, with Willie Le Roux set to receive his 101st cap for the Springboks.

“We selected the best possible team we could for the match, knowing that this is going to be an epic encounter against the All Blacks at Eden Park, and many of these players have done the job for us before against them,” said Erasmus

Australia welcome Argentina to Queensland Country Bank Stadium in the early hours of Saturday morning (5:30 am BST), Argentina, who have recently caused two huge upsets on the world stage with beating the All Blacks for the first time on Argentinean soil and before that a record win over Andy Farrell’s British & Irish Lions in Dublin.

With all four teams of the Rugby Championship in the unique position of one win and one loss each, the tournament is wide open; however, after a week of recovery, we can expect to see a fiery and blockbuster match on Saturday.   

By Chris Collyer