New Zealand vs South Africa Predictions - Springboks can bounce back with a win in Wellington
New Zealand and South Africa renew their fierce rugby rivalry after a tightly contested match at Eden Park, where the All Blacks held on for a 24-17 win. Despite their recent form, both teams are undergoing transitions. South Africa made multiple changes to their squad, aiming to address errors and lineout issues. New Zealand, expected to remain mostly unchanged, seeks to maintain momentum. The match is set to be another hard-fought affair with South Africa tipped to perform better and remain competitive, especially in the handicap market.
- New Zealand beat South Africa 24-17 at Eden Park, ending a 4-match losing streak to the Springboks.
- Both teams are in transition, facing inconsistency and lineup changes.
- South Africa has made wholesale changes, aiming to fix lineout and starting errors.
New Zealand beat South Africa by 7 points last weekend. (Getty Images)
New Zealand vs South Africa Predictions
This will be another huge battle between the biggest rivals in rugby union. New Zealand edged it at Eden Park last weekend and we’re set for another tight encounter.
- New Zealand vs South Africa Predictions
- Head to Head
- New Zealand Form
- New Zealand Team News
- South Africa Form
- South Africa Team News
Given how poor South Africa were at times last weekend, I feel, if they get it together, they can get the result this weekend. I’m backing South Africa in the handicap market.
- New Zealand beat South Africa by 7 points last weekend.
- New Zealand have won 5 of their last 6 matches.
- South Africa have won 5 of their last 7 matches.
- South Africa have won 4 of their last 5 matches against New Zealand.
Head to Head
South Africa have won four of their last five matches against New Zealand. Last weekend, New Zealand ended the four-match losing streak, winning 24-17 at Eden Park.
New Zealand Form
New Zealand are top of the table after three rounds in the Rugby Championship. They have won two and lost one of their fixtures.
After a convincing opening win over Argentina, the All Blacks came up short against the same opposition a week later. However, last week, they successfully defended their 50-match unbeaten run at Eden Park, defeating South Africa 24-17.
It was billed as the match of the year at the fortress that is Eden Park. It was a very good game, but it is also clear that both sides are in a bit of a transition at the moment. The weather also didn’t make it much easier for the players.
The All Blacks came out of the blocks firing, racing into a 14-0 lead in the opening 20 minutes. Both tries came from first phase errors by the Springboks.
While there was jubilation at the final whistle, a deeper dive will have New Zealand concerned. After those first 20 minutes, the visitors outscored them and in reality, South Africa have a pretty poor day at the office.
However, this week New Zealand should be better as well as conditions was not conducive to the way they like to play. They dominated the lineout which put South Africa on the backfoot but they were also penalized at a few scrums.
New Zealand Team News
New Zealand’s side will be announced on Thursday. Not many changes are expected.
South Africa Form
South Africa are clearly working on a transition among players and the way they play at the moment. It has been a disappointing Rugby Championship to date, particularly that opening home defeat to Australia.
Last weekend was their biggest test of the year and they failed to pitch up for the occasion. The game ended in a 24-17 loss and despite the poor performance, could easily have been a draw.
However, that is not what will bother the Springboks management. It is the horrific errors made in the first 20 minutes which allowed their hosts 14 easy points.
While they grew into the contest thereafter, the lineout once again failed to function. They have struggled in every game this season and considering how important that is to the way they play, it is something that needs urgent attention.
Rassie Erasmus will, however, be silently pleased with the way his side came back into the game despite not being anywhere near their best. This weekend is sure to be another very closely fought encounter.
South Africa Team News
Rassie Erasmus announced his side on Monday already, making wholesale changes to his side. Cobus Reinach will start at scrumhalf with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf. There is a new centre pairing in Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie with Ethan Hooker thrown in at the deep end on the left wing.
Among the forwards, Cobus Wiese offers a huge boost at eight while there is no Eben Etzebeth this weekend. Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje partner at lock.
Verdict
South Africa are backed in the +4.5 handicap with a possible win.
South Africa +4.5
Handicap
$1.91 - 3 Units
Up to R3,000 + 300 Spins
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South Africa Win
Result
$2.50 - 1 Unit
Up to R3,000 + 300 Spins
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