PICK OF THE SPORT: Don’t miss the test match tomorrow, writes Dylan Bettencourt. It’s the biggest rugby match since the World Cup.
It’s still the biggest rivalry in world rugby, and the stakes are higher than ever this time.
Since the World Cup in October last year, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has moved towards a different style of play, and All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has been working on getting the best possible team to play the Springboks.
The teams face off at Emirates Ellis Park on Saturday afternoon.
The biggest pressure is on Springbok fullback Aphelele Fassi, the line of final defence against an All Blacks backline that is stronger than it has been in a long time – and probably stronger than the World Cup lineup.
The Barrett brothers – Will Jordan, Mark Telea, Damian McKenzie, and Anton Lienert-Brown – aim to break through the Springbok defences.
Lining up against them are the Springbok defences of Damian de Allende, Jesse Kriel, and loose forwards led by Pieter-Steph du Toit – better than money can buy.
Will Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu be able to dictate the game? We’ll find out on Saturday.
In the other international match on Saturday, Australia faces Argentina in a match so important that some say it will determine the success or failure of Australian rugby.
South Africa v New Zealand, Emirates Ellis Park, 5pm, Saturday.
Argentina v Australia, Jorge Luis Stadium, La Plata, 9pm, Saturday.
Both matches will be live on DStv channel 211.
➤ If you’re suffering from a Springbok hangover, the football on Sunday might be enough to get you excited once again as Manchester United host Liverpool.
A rivalry that goes back as far as sports history, it is always a special occasion when these two sides meet. It is still early in the season, but three points could make the big difference come this Sunday.
Liverpool has won its opening two games without conceding points, while United is coming off a shock loss to Brighton.
Playing at Old Trafford, United will look to return to winning ways and stop Liverpool from gaining even more momentum.
The two sides will clash on Sunday at 5pm.
The weekend starts on Saturday with Arsenal taking on Brighton at 1.30pm. The Gunners have also won their opening two games without conceding, and they look in shape to continue that good form.
West Ham then plays host to Manchester City at 6.30pm, with striker Erling Haaland hoping to add to his four goals already this season.
Chelsea will play Crystal Palace in a London derby on Sunday at 2.30pm when Tottenham Hotspur plays Newcastle.
All the action will be live on DStv channel 203.
➤ Lando Norris is claiming the top spot in Formula 1 after winning so comfortably in Max Verstappen’s home race last weekend.
Red Bull is fading badly after a disastrous experiment with a revised floor tray. However, Verstappen still managed second place – and there is nothing to indicate that they won’t be right up there with the fastest in Italy this weekend.
However, it’s been six races since Verstappen last won, and with the car he has at the moment, it might just be seven races without a win on Sunday afternoon.
While still some way away, another win this weekend could swing the odds in Lando’s favour as he aims to dethrone Verstappen.
Lights-out at the Italian Grand Prix at Monza is set for 3pm on Sunday.
The race will be live on DStv channel 215.
Pictured above: The Springboks against the All Blacks.
Source: SA Rugby
