South Africa vs New Zealand Preview: Team News & Prediction | Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Tour 2026 | Third Test
by Trystan Pugh ·
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There has been a war of words between the coaches but now the battle returns to the pitch as South Africa and New Zealand meet for the third Test of what has so far been an excellent series.
Start date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports / USA – Not televised
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – RugbyPass TV
South Africa team news: Ox Nché, Wilco Louw and Malcolm Marx all start
Squad: Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg, Manie Libbok
New Zealand team news: Tupou Vaa’i set for 50th cap
Squad: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Quinn Tupea, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Ruben Love, Cam Roigard, Ardie Savea (captain), Luke Jacobson, Peter Lakai, Sam Darry, Tupuo Vaa’i, Tyrel Lomax, Asafo Aumua, George Bower
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby
South Africa vs New Zealand prediction
This wonderful series between the two greatest rugby nations is finely poised at one game apiece with this third test, of four in total, taking place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg.
After New Zealand stunned the world champions with a 33-16 victory two weeks ago, the Springboks levelled the series by holding off the All Blacks a week later, with both matches staged at Ellis Park Stadium.
With the fourth test taking place in the USA, South Africa will be determined to edge ahead in the series, with this the final match to be staged on home turf.
New Zealand have been the more eye-catching side from an attacking perspective, and they have been particularly effective in the second half of matches. However, Rassie Erasmus' world champions will surely have learned their lessons by now and will prepare accordingly.
In what promises to be another enthralling clash of styles between the southern hemisphere powerhouses, we're backing the hosts to get the job done and take a lead in the series.
South Africa vs New Zealand tip: South Africa to win
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