The stage is set for another heavyweight showdown between the Springboks and All Blacks, with the third Test at FNB Stadium carrying huge significance in the four-match series.
With the series locked at 1-1, neither side can afford to slip up in Johannesburg. The winner will take a crucial advantage into the final Test, while defeat would leave the losing team unable to claim the series outright.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10, with the match set to be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springboks make key changes
Rassie Erasmus has been forced into a change at fullback after Damian Willemse was ruled out through injury.
That sees Cheslin Kolbe move to No 15, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the starting XV on the wing.
The Springboks will once again rely on a formidable combination of experience and physicality, with Siya Kolisi captaining the side and Eben Etzebeth set to extend his record as South Africa’s most-capped player.
Etzebeth will earn his 145th Test cap if he takes the field.
Springboks XV
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 (c), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché.
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, André Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg, Manie Libbok.
All Blacks also shuffle their lineup
New Zealand have made three changes to their starting team.
The most notable adjustment comes in the front row, where Asafo Aumua takes over at hooker from Codie Taylor.
The All Blacks will be captained by Ardie Savea, with Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan and Jordie Barrett among the key names in the backline.
All Blacks XV
15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard, 8 Ardie Savea (c), 7 Luke Jacobson, 6 Peter Lakai, 5 Sam Darry, 4 Tupou Vaa’i, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Asafo Aumua, 1 George Bower.
Replacements: Samisoni Taukei’aho, Xavier Numia, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Wallace Sititi, Kyle Preston, Anton Lienert-Brown, Josh Moorby.
Who is refereeing Springboks vs All Blacks?
The third Test will be refereed by Nika Amashukeli of Georgia.
He will be assisted by Angus Gardner of Australia and Christophe Ridley of England, while Eric Gauzins of France will serve as the Television Match Official.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner, Christophe Ridley
TMO: Eric Gauzins
Rassie Erasmus expects another fierce battle
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is relishing the prospect of playing in front of a packed FNB Stadium.
He expects the atmosphere to provide an additional challenge for both teams, particularly with the famous vuvuzelas and passionate home support adding to the intensity.
But Erasmus knows the occasion will count for little if South Africa fail to execute.
With the series finely balanced, he has stressed the importance of composure and accuracy in what should be another closely fought contest between two of international rugby’s biggest rivals.
Springboks vs All Blacks: The numbers
The rivalry remains one of the biggest in Test rugby.
South Africa and New Zealand have met 112 times, with the Springboks winning 44, the All Blacks 64 and four matches ending in draws.
South Africa have scored 1,899 points and 185 tries in those meetings, while New Zealand have scored 2,328 points and 257 tries.
However, recent form provides encouragement for the world champions: the Springboks have won six of the last eight meetings between the sides dating back to August 2023.
FNB Stadium has favoured New Zealand
The two teams have met only twice previously at FNB Stadium.
The All Blacks won both encounters — 29-22 in 2010 and 32-16 in 2012.
South Africa will be looking to change that record in front of what promises to be a massive home crowd.
Etzebeth set for another milestone
Etzebeth’s appearance will be another landmark moment in his remarkable international career.
The lock is set to move to 145 Test caps, further extending his record as South Africa’s most-capped Springbok.
Meanwhile, Jasper Wiese is closing in on another milestone and needs just two more Test appearances after this match to reach 50 caps.
The Springboks’ starting XV contains a combined 958 Test caps, with 366 among the backs and 592 among the forwards.
The replacements contribute another 222 caps.
A massive night in Johannesburg
With the series tied, a packed FNB Stadium and two rugby giants desperate for an advantage, the third Test promises to be another classic chapter in the Springboks-All Blacks rivalry.
Kick-off: 17:10
Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg
Series: 1-1
Referee: Nika Amashukeli
Broadcast: SuperSport
The question now is simple: will the Springboks finally beat the All Blacks at FNB Stadium?
