The South Africa and New Zealand rugby rivalry resumes as the Springboks face the All Blacks in the third Test of their series at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, according to the article. The four-match series stands delicately poised at 1-1, meaning whichever side triumphs in Johannesburg cannot lose the series and will claim the advantage heading into the final fixture.
Series Context and Recent Form
South Africa enters this fixture following a 33-26 victory in Cape Town, bouncing back from an opening-game defeat at the hands of their historic rivals, as reported by the article. Springboks captain Siya Kolisi returned from injury for that win, while winger Cheslin Kolbe delivered a player-of-the-match performance by contributing 18 points with the boot.
New Zealand previously secured a 33-16 victory at Ellis Park during the series opener. According to the article, the All Blacks hold a strong historical record in Johannesburg, having won on both of their previous visits to FNB Stadium, though those fixtures took place in 2010 and 2012.
Squad Adjustments and Lineups
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has made a single positional change to his starting XV from the Cape Town victory, moving Cheslin Kolbe to full-back after Damian Willemse suffered an injury, according to the article. Kurt-Lee Arendse enters the starting lineup on the wing, and Manie Libbok joins the replacements bench.
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has altered three positions within his forward pack, according to the article. Hooker Asafo Aumua, lock Sam Darry, and flanker Peter Lakai replace Codie Taylor, Fabian Holland, and Simon Parker respectively. Samisoni Taukei’aho and Test debutant Wallace Sititi are named on the bench, while second-row Tupou Vaa’i marks his 50th Test appearance for the All Blacks.
Broadcast and Streaming Information
Viewers can access live coverage of the third Test through various regional broadcasters and streaming platforms, according to the article:
- United States: Available to live stream for free on RugbyPass TV, which offers mobile applications for iOS and Android devices.
- United Kingdom: Broadcast live on Sky Sports Action with coverage beginning at 3:55 pm, accessible via Sky subscriptions or NOW Sports memberships.
- Australia: Exclusive live coverage is provided through Stan Sport, which requires an active Stan subscription.
- New Zealand: Available on a tape-delay via ThreeNow at 11:30 am NZST on Sunday.
Fans traveling outside their home broadcast regions utilize virtual private network services, such as Proton VPN, to access their standard domestic streaming subscriptions, as detailed by the article.
Worth a look