The Boks will be aiming for their fifth consecutive win against the Kiwis, while New Zealand will be looking to bounce back after their somewhat surprising 29-23 defeat to Argentina in Buenos Aires nearly two weeks ago.

This will be the first Test between the two old rivals since the All Blacks beat the Boks 35-20 at the Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland in July 2023. More importantly, the All Blacks will be determined to extend their unbeaten record at Eden Park to 51 Tests. With it being Ardie Savea’s 100th Test, he and his teammates will be determined to make it a memorable one.

The Springboks to face the All Blacks at Eden Park. Photo: SA Rugby

The Springboks arrived in New Zealand a little earlier than usual, and captain Jesse Kriel said this extra time has helped them prepare better and feel fresher for the crucial Test.

“I think getting here a few days earlier as a player has been unbelievable,” said Kriel.

“Getting into the time zone, having extra days to focus on recovery and getting the body right, and spending two extra days on the field has been great. We’ve had an excellent week of preparation, one I’m very happy with, and I think the team feels the same. So yes, we’re looking forward to the big game on Saturday.”

While much has been written about the significance of the 110th Test between the All Blacks and Springboks, Kriel emphasised that every time they pull on the hallowed green-and-gold jersey, it’s a major occasion. The goal is always to play hard and aim for victory.

“First of all, it’s another opportunity to play in a green-and-gold jersey,” added the in-form centre.

“The magnitude of the game excites me. As a competitor, and I think most of the guys will agree, you want to be involved in the biggest Test matches, and this is right up there. You want to test yourself against the best, whether in your position or on the world stage. It’s the ultimate Test, and that’s what gets you excited as a player.

“That’s what’s in the back of my mind. At the same time, we know this Rugby Championship game is extremely important for us, and it’s one we’ve been looking forward to for a long time. It doesn’t get any bigger or more exciting than this, for players and fans alike.”

Saturday’s Test between the All Blacks and Springboks at Eden Park will kick off at 9:05.

All Blacks - 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

Springboks - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

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

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs