New Zealand vs South Africa Preview & Prediction | 2025 Rugby Championship | Round 3
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
The top two-ranked nations meet at Eden Park in perhaps the fiercest rivalry in world rugby.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – FloRugby
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / US – FloRugby
New Zealand team news
Squad: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Emoni Narawa, 13 Billy Proctor, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Rieko Ioane, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 Finlay Christie, 8 Wallace Sititi, 7 Ardie Savea, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (captain), 3 Fletcher Newell, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Tyrel Lomax, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Quinn Tupaea, 23 Damian McKenzie
South Africa team news
Squad: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Stated, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements: 16 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker
New Zealand vs South Africa prediction
New Zealand were stunned by Argentina in Buenos Aires last time out, but having beaten the Pumas in the opening round of games, are in as strong a position as any other nation when it comes to their prospects of winning the Rugby Championship.
The All Blacks have won nine of their last 11 matches against South Africa on home turf, and are unbeaten in 50 matches at Eden Park – a run that stretches back 31 years.
The Springboks bounced back from their opening defeat to Australia but defeated the Wallabies 30-22 in Cape Town to weeks ago, and the world champions would take a huge towards defending their Rugby Championship title should they get the better of their great rivals here.
Eden Park is an absolute fortress for the All Blacks though, and the hosts will do everything in their power to extend their unbeaten run at this stadium.
Expect a fierce battle, with New Zealand tipped to edge it.
New Zealand vs South Africa tip: New Zealand to win
