With the teams no longer a state secret, attention can now fully shift to Saturday’s first encounter of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry between the Springboks and All Blacks at Ellis Park in Johannesburg (5pm kick-off).
The opener is expected to set the tone for the rest of the series, and within the greater battle, a few individual contests could have a major say in how the match unfolds. Here, we a look at five match-ups that could prove pivotal when the two heavyweights collide in Johannesburg.
Wilco Louw v Ethan de Groot
The battle at tighthead promises to be one of the fiercest contests at Ellis Park. The burly Louw facing the All Blacks’ number one scrum disruptor in De Groot.
Louw’s power and experience will be critical as the Springboks look to establish dominance at scrum time, particularly with the altitude adding another layer to the physical challenge.
De Groot, meanwhile, is an aggressive scrummager who will be eager to test the Bok pack early. If the All Blacks can disrupt the Springboks’ set-piece platform, it could put pressure on the hosts’ attack. For Louw, winning this battle could set the foundation for everything that follows.
Ruan Nortjé v Fabian Holland
Nortjé will have a massive job on his hands against the lanky Holland in what could be a fascinating battle in the lineout between the second rowers.
Nortjé brings plenty of valuable lineout expertise, physicality and a growing presence in the Springbok pack, while Holland has quickly established himself as a mobile and athletic lock for the Kiwis.
The battle at lineout will be particularly important, with both sides looking to disrupt each other’s set-piece possession. Nortjé will also be expected to bring plenty of work around the park and if he fronts up physically, the Boks will have an extra ball-carrier. Whoever gets the upper hand could give his team valuable control of the tempo.
Jasper Wiese v Ardie Savea
Few individual contests will pique the interest more than Wiese going head-to-head with the inspiration Savea.
The Springbok No 8 has developed into a robust ball-carrier known for his never-failing work rate and breakdown presence. He will be the one the Boks lean on for go-forward ball, especially off the kick-off and from pick-and-goes.
But Wiese faces one of the most complete loose forwards in modern rugby and Savea’s ability to influence the game from anywhere makes him a constant threat. That will have the Bok powerman on alert. Expect both players to be heavily involved at the contest over the ball, in defence and in carrying. This could be the main bout within the heavyweight clash.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu v Ruben Love
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s battle with Ruben Love could provide plenty of intrigue, particularly with both players capable of injecting unpredictability into the game.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu will be tasked with controlling the Springboks’ attack and managing the pressure that comes with facing the All Blacks’ defence.
Love, meanwhile, has the pace, attacking instinct and confidence to punish any defensive lapse from his opponents. Both are still fairly new on the international scene and the contest could ultimately come down to who handles the pressure and occasion better.
They will have some dangerous attackers outside them, so their decision-making in setting them loose could be pivotal.
Damian de Allende v Jordie Barrett
The midfield battle between De Allende and Barrett has all the ingredients of a bruising encounter.
De Allende, playing in his 100th Test, brings the physicality and defensive steel that have made him such a valuable cog in the Springbok midfield, while Barrett offers the All Blacks a powerful combination of size, skill and attacking intelligence.
De Allende’s ability to win collisions and shut down space will be tested by Barrett’s running lines and distribution. At the other end, the Springbok centre will look to put the All Blacks under pressure with his direct carrying and how he looks for the soft shoulder to create space.
In a match where inches could make the difference, this midfield confrontation could have a huge say.