South Africa vs New Zealand Preview & Tips - Springboks can upset the odds against All Blacks

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 01 Oct 2021

Ralph Staniforth 01 Oct 2021

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South Africa vs New Zealand predictions for Saturday’s Rugby Championship fixture
Match is being played at 11:05 BST at the Cbus Stadium
Can South Africa avoid losing four in a row?
Preview, tips, stats & team news

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South Africa can upset the odds on Saturday (Getty Images)

South Africa vs New Zealand Preview & Tips

South Africa were unfortunate last weekend and a similar performance could see them upset the odds. I am backing the Springboks to win or at the very least lose by less than 10.

South Africa vs New Zealand Preview & Tips
Head to Head
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
New Zealand Form
New Zealand Team News
South Africa vs New Zealand FAQ

South Africa have not lost by more than 10 points in their last 6 matches against New Zealand.
South Africa have not lost by more than 10 points in 8 of their last 9 matches.
New Zealand have won their last 10 matches.
New Zealand have failed to cover the -10 handicap in their last 6 matches against South Africa.

Head to Head

New Zealand lead 60-36 in their 100 Test matches against South Africa. Last week New Zealand beat South Africa 19-17 with a last gasp penalty.

South Africa Form

South Africa have had an inconsistent 2021, which can be expected after missing out on rugby entirely during 2020. The series win over the British & Irish Lions was a highlight, but the mood has fallen a bit flat since then.

They opened the Rugby Championship with convincing victories over Argentina but then fell short against Australia on two successive weekends. After losing 28-26 to the Aussies in the first fixture, the Springboks were well beaten 30-17 in the second match.

Last week saw a much improved South African performance, one that arguably deserved the win. They led for large periods but a few errors in the final 20 minutes cost them a victory in the 100th Test against the All Blacks.

South Africa Team News

Ox Nche comes into the front-row to replace Frans Malherbe. That is the only change to the starting side as Kwagga Smith continues at flank.

New Zealand Form

New Zealand have remained unbeaten in 2021 thus far but that record almost came to an end last Saturday. The All Blacks have now secured the Rugby Championship title.

After two comfortable wins over Australia to get the tournament underway, New Zealand thrashed Argentina twice. South Africa’s poor results all but secured the trophy for the All Blacks at that point.

In the 100th Test between New Zealand and South Africa last week, it was the men in black who came out on top 19-17. Jordie Barrett’s last minute penalty secured the win.

For large periods South Africa led and were the better side, but there is no better side in world rugby than New Zealand at making opponents pay for errors. This week should see another huge tussle between two of the great rugby union nations.

New Zealand Team News

Ian Foster has made three changes to his side for this weekend’s match.

After Will Jordan and George Bridge struggled under the high ball, Foster has brought Sevu Reece into the starting lineup. Rieko Ioane moves from centre to wing which sees Anton Lienert-Brown return from injury.

The other change sees TJ Perenara replaced by Brad Weber at scrumhalf.