With the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry locked at 1-1, South Africa know victory is essential if they are to board the flight to the United States with a 2-1 advantage ahead of next weekend’s series finale in Baltimore.

For captain Siya Kolisi and assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, however, the occasion carries significance far beyond the rugby field.

Springboks supporters - Johan Orton

The match will be played at the iconic FNB Stadium, in Soweto, an area deeply intertwined with South Africa’s history. It will also be the Springboks’ final appearance on home soil this year, adding another layer of emotion to an already highly anticipated Test.

Kolisi believes the history of Soweto and the sacrifices made by previous generations should inspire the current Springbok squad.

The captain pointed to the many figures who emerged from the area and helped shape the South Africa that exists today, saying the team was determined to honour that legacy through its performance.

He also highlighted the support the Boks have received throughout the country, from packed stadiums to supporters lining the streets as the team bus travels to matches.

For Kolisi, a victory would be a meaningful way of thanking those supporters.

The Springboks have already experienced the highs and lows of the series, losing the opening Test before responding with a victory in the second encounter. They now have the opportunity to move ahead in the four-match contest and strengthen their bid to retain both the series trophy and the Freedom Cup.

Pieter-Steph du Toit - Johan Orton

Stick sees Saturday’s Test as an opportunity for a new generation of Springboks to leave their mark on one of South Africa’s most significant sporting venues.

While FNB Stadium is traditionally associated with football, Stick believes its unique setting and history will make the occasion particularly memorable for the players.

He expects the All Blacks to arrive with a clear attacking plan, with New Zealand likely to focus on keeping the ball alive, increasing ball-in-play time and challenging South Africa around the breakdown.

But Stick insists the Boks will not abandon their own identity in an attempt to counter their opponents.

Cheslin Kolbe - Johan Orton

Instead, he believes the outcome could come down to which side is able to turn attacking opportunities into points with greater efficiency.

For the Springboks, creating chances will only be half the battle. Converting those opportunities and executing accurately under pressure could ultimately determine who leaves FNB Stadium with the upper hand.

Saturday’s occasion will also celebrate the growth of women’s rugby, with the Springbok Women taking on the Black Ferns in a curtain-raiser before the men’s Test.

Jasper Wiese - Johan Orton

Kolisi, a strong supporter of the women’s game, welcomed the opportunity for the Springbok Women to share the stage with their male counterparts.

He praised the excitement surrounding the fixture and urged supporters to arrive early and give the women’s match the same energy they would bring to the main event.

The Black Ferns bring formidable credentials as reigning Rugby World Cup champions and one of the most successful teams in women’s rugby.

Malcolm Marx - Johan Orton

For Kolisi, showcasing both teams at the same venue is another important step in growing the sport as a whole.

With history, pride, silverware and a series lead all on the line, the Springboks head into Saturday’s showdown knowing there is little room for error. At a venue steeped in South African history, they will be determined to create a chapter of their own.

Springboks - 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements - 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 André Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morné van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok

All Blacks - 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (captain), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 George Bower

Replacements - 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Fabian Holland, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Josh Moorby 

Morgan Piek OFM Sport