Aeden Manell
The Springboks host New Zealand in a must-win second Test at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 29 August. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10 SAST, with the All Blacks holding a 1–0 lead in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
New Zealand won the opening Test 33–16 at Ellis Park, scoring five tries to one and replacing South Africa as the world’s No. 1-ranked team. The Springboks need victory in Cape Town to keep their hopes of winning the series alive.
Key Match Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | South Africa vs New Zealand |
| Competition | Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry |
| Date | Saturday, 29 August 2026 |
| Venue | DHL Stadium, Cape Town |
| Kick-off | 17:10 SAST |
| Series score | New Zealand lead 1–0 |
Springboks Team News
Rassie Erasmus has made changes to his side following the defeat in Johannesburg. Handré Pollard starts at fly-half, with Cobus Reinach selected at scrum-half.
Damian Willemse starts at fullback, while Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende and Ethan Hooker make up the backline. The forward pack includes Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese.
Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks and is set to reach 100 Test caps, while Nché is also due to achieve a milestone appearance.
Key Battles
Pollard versus the All Blacks’ kicking game
Handré Pollard’s return gives the Springboks experience and calmness at fly-half. South Africa will likely use his tactical kicking to apply territorial pressure and force New Zealand to play from deep.
The Springboks must also improve their attacking execution. Erasmus said missed opportunities proved costly in the first Test, and South Africa cannot afford to leave points on the field again.
Bok pack versus All Blacks speed
South Africa’s forward pack remains their biggest weapon. Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché, Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit can create pressure through the scrum, maul and breakdown.
However, New Zealand showed at Ellis Park that they can punish mistakes with fast, clinical attack. The Springboks need to control possession and avoid giving the All Blacks broken-field opportunities.
WanejoBets Prediction
The opening Test showed that New Zealand are in excellent form, but the Springboks will be far more difficult to beat in Cape Town. South Africa have responded strongly after setbacks in previous major series and will be motivated by the need to level the contest.
Prediction: Springboks to win by 1–12 points.
A lower-scoring match is also possible if South Africa control territory through Pollard’s boot and dominate the set piece. The Springboks need discipline, patience and better finishing to turn pressure into points.
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Sources
All Blacks (2026) Springboks name team for second All Blacks Test in Cape Town. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).
Associated Press (2026) Springboks still irritated after All Blacks loss and make changes for second Test. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).
BBC Sport (2026) South Africa v New Zealand: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu drops to bench. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).
Reuters (2026) Erasmus wants Springboks to turn hurt into heat after opening loss. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).
Sky Sports (2026) South Africa vs New Zealand: Pollard and Kolisi return for must-win second Test. Available at: (Accessed: 26 August 2026).
