The stage is set for another chapter in rugby’s greatest rivalry, with the Springboks and All Blacks preparing for a huge third Test at a packed FNB Stadium on Saturday evening.
The series is locked at 1-1, meaning victory in Johannesburg would give either side a crucial advantage heading into the fourth and final Test in Baltimore next weekend.
More than 87 000 supporters are expected at the iconic venue, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10 South African time.
Springboks vs All Blacks LIVE scoring
Follow the action as it unfolds, including the latest score and key moments from this heavyweight encounter.
The Springboks will be captained by Siya Kolisi, while veteran lock Eben Etzebeth is set to make his record-extending 145th appearance for South Africa.
Springboks starting 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 (captain)
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 starting 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 (captain)
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.
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Angus Gardner (Australia), Christophe Ridley (England)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)
Can the Springboks take control of the series?
The Springboks were beaten 33-16 by New Zealand in the opening Test at Ellis Park before responding with a 33-26 victory in Cape Town.
That comeback victory levelled the series and set up a mouth-watering decider in Johannesburg.
South Africa have also enjoyed a strong recent record against their old rivals, winning six of the last eight meetings dating back to August 2023.
However, FNB Stadium has not traditionally been kind to the Springboks.
The teams have met there twice previously, in 2010 and 2012, with New Zealand winning both encounters.
Kolisi: More than just another Test
For Kolisi, Saturday’s match carries significance beyond the result.
The Springbok captain highlighted the importance of playing in an area so closely connected with South Africa’s history and said the team wanted to honour those who helped shape the country’s freedom by giving everything on the field.
A victory would therefore have significance both on and off the scoreboard.
Records on the line
Etzebeth is set to extend his status as the most-capped Springbok of all time, while Deon Fourie could further extend his record as South Africa’s oldest player to appear in a Test.
The Springbok loose trio of Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese will also reach a record 17 Test starts together if they all take the field.
Meanwhile, Jasper Wiese is closing in on the 50-cap milestone.
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry continues
The third Test is part of an unprecedented four-match series between the Springboks and All Blacks.
After Saturday’s clash in Johannesburg, the rivals will meet again at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on 12 September, with the final Test kicking off at 23:00 South African time.
But first, FNB Stadium takes centre stage.
Will the Springboks roar to victory in Johannesburg and move ahead in the series? Follow the live score and all the key moments here.
