It is judgement day at Ellis Park as the Springboks and All Blacks finally lock horns on Saturday afternoon in the opening Test of the much-anticipated four-match Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.
The clash, scheduled for 17:10 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, brings together two of the most successful teams in world rugby and marks New Zealand’s first full-scale tour of South Africa in 30 years.
Despite ticket prices reaching as high as R850 and beyond, interest in the encounter has remained enormous, with additional tickets released after the fixture had reportedly been sold out. The expectation is for Ellis Park, which can accommodate more than 60,000 spectators, to be filled by passionate supporters eager to witness another chapter in one of rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
The occasion carries even greater significance because Ellis Park was the scene of South Africa’s famous 1995 Rugby World Cup final victory over New Zealand, when the Springboks lifted the Webb Ellis Cup in one of the most iconic moments in sporting history.
But history will count for little once the referee blows the opening whistle.
Kolisi misses out
One of the biggest talking points heading into the Test has been the availability of Springbok captain Siya Kolisi.
Kolisi, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, has been ruled out of the opening encounter despite coach Rassie Erasmus previously indicating that the veteran loose forward was fit enough to play. Erasmus instead opted for caution, selecting the less experienced Paul de Villiers in the starting loose-trio.
Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks in Kolisi’s absence.
Du Toit admitted that facing the All Blacks carries enormous responsibility but said the Springboks have enough leadership within the squad to cope with Kolisi’s absence.
The captain also warned that the All Blacks’ speed and skill could punish even the smallest lapse in concentration.
South Africa will therefore have to be particularly disciplined at set pieces, with the scrum and lineout expected to be crucial areas of the contest.
Kolisi’s absence will undoubtedly be felt, but the Springboks have deliberately built a squad with considerable depth, and Saturday provides De Villiers with a massive opportunity to announce himself on the international stage.
De Allende reaches 100 Tests
There will also be a milestone moment for Damian de Allende, who will earn his 100th Test cap for South Africa.
The experienced centre will line up alongside Jesse Kriel in the midfield, giving the Springboks a combination that has played together extensively at international level.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been preferred at flyhalf, with Grant Williams starting at scrumhalf.
The back three consists of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Damian Willemse, while the pack features Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Ruan Nortje and Jasper Wiese.
The Springboks arrive in Johannesburg in formidable form, having won their last 12 Tests, while they have also won five of their last six meetings against New Zealand. Their most recent encounter ended in a remarkable 43-10 Springbok victory in Wellington.
But Erasmus knows Saturday represents a completely different challenge.
Erasmus expects a massive battle
The Springbok coach has made it clear that his team will not underestimate an All Blacks side that has travelled to South Africa with a point to prove.
The build-up has been unusually intense, with both camps exchanging views over playing styles, breakdown tactics, tempo and officiating.
Erasmus has warned against getting distracted by the noise and wants his players to concentrate on executing their game plan.
The Springboks are expected to use their physical strength, kicking game and set-piece dominance to put pressure on New Zealand, while the visitors are likely to look for opportunities to increase the tempo and attack from broken-field situations.
All Blacks ready for Ellis Park challenge
New Zealand coach Dave Rennie knows exactly what awaits his team.
Rennie has described Ellis Park as the Springboks’ “Mecca”, acknowledging the enormity of taking on the world champions at one of their most historic home venues.
But he believes his players have prepared sufficiently to deal with the pressure.
“Belief is a massive part of it when you’re going to Ellis Park to play the Springboks,” Rennie said, while insisting that his team is excited by the challenge.
The All Blacks have already played three provincial matches on tour, beating the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls, and Rennie believes that extended preparation has helped his squad develop its culture and game model.
However, Test rugby presents an entirely different challenge.
New Zealand will have to deal with the physicality of the Springboks while also trying to impose their preferred high-tempo game.
Savea embraces the pressure
All Blacks captain Ardie Savea is also relishing the occasion.
Savea believes the tension surrounding the rivalry could bring out the best in both teams.
“The stakes are high and there’s a lot of hype and edge around the game but, for me, I think that brings the best out of all players,” Savea said.
The All Blacks captain acknowledged the quality of the Springboks but insisted New Zealand have enough quality of their own to compete.
“We respect the Springboks, they’re a real class outfit but also I believe we’re going to have just as much quality,” he added.
Savea will be one of New Zealand’s most important players as they attempt to withstand the expected Springbok assault at the breakdown while providing the visitors with attacking momentum.
A battle of contrasting styles
Saturday’s encounter promises to be a fascinating battle between contrasting rugby philosophies.
The Springboks are likely to rely heavily on their powerful forwards, set-piece strength, tactical kicking and ability to win the territorial battle.
The All Blacks, meanwhile, are expected to push the pace, move the ball quickly and test South Africa’s defensive organisation.
That contrast has already generated plenty of debate during the build-up, with New Zealand calling for a faster game and South Africa pushing back against suggestions that their approach deliberately slows matches down.
English referee Matthew Carley will therefore have a major role to play in controlling the breakdown and ensuring that the contest remains within the laws.
More than just one Test
While Saturday’s result will not decide the series, neither side will want to surrender the psychological advantage.
The opening Test is the first of four encounters between the traditional rivals.
After Ellis Park, the teams will meet at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on August 29, before returning to Johannesburg for the third Test at FNB Stadium on September 5. The series will conclude at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, United States, on September 12.
For the Springboks, victory would provide the perfect start to a series that could further cement their dominance over their greatest rivals.
For the All Blacks, defeating the world champions on their own soil would immediately announce that New Zealand are ready to restore themselves to the top table of international rugby.
With Ellis Park expected to provide a hostile wall of noise, Kolisi watching from the sidelines and De Villiers facing the biggest challenge of his young career, there is little doubt that the stage is set.
Judgement day has arrived.
And when the Springboks and All Blacks walk onto the Ellis Park field at 17:10, history, pride and four Tests of unfinished business will all be on the line.