New Zealand made a big statement in a World Cup year following their 35-20 win over South Africa in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship at Auckland’s Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and hooker Bongi Mbonambi made it clear on Friday that they expected a massive battle against the All Blacks at Mount Smart Stadium in Auckland on Saturday in the second round of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship, but they said they were ready for the challenge.
Springboks captain Eben Etzebeth look set to play against New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship on Saturday despite the death of his father.
Springbok scrum-half Faf de Klerk has warned his side to be fully focused when they face New Zealand in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship on Saturday.
All Blacks head coach Ian Foster has made five changes to his starting line up to face the Springboks in their upcoming Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.
South Africa loose forward Kwagga Smith says he is expecting an "epic" battle against New Zealand in their next Castle Lager Rugby Championship at the Mt Smart Stadium on Saturday.
Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth will make a notable return from a shoulder injury as the captain of the team to face New Zealand in the second Castle Lager Rugby Championship Test in Auckland on Saturday.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named a group of 21 players to join their team-mates in New Zealand for next week’s second Castle Lager Rugby Championship outing against New Zealand in Auckland bringing the total number of players to 35.
New Zealand centre Anton Lienert-Brown is set to miss the first two games of the Rugby Championship next month after receiving a three-week ban on Tuesday.
Canterbury Crusaders coach Scott Robertson is backing David Havili to be fit in time for the World Cup after the All Blacks centre was ruled out for up to two months with a hamstring injury.