South Africa’s men’s national rugby team goes into Saturday’s New Zealand vs Springboks Test with plenty on the line.
New Zealand vs Springboks: Here’s what’s at stake
A win would allow them to retain the Freedom Cup, which they won last year for the first time since 2009.
Victory would also keep them in the running to defend their Castle Lager Rugby Championship title and reclaim the top spot in the world rankings.
South Africa have won four of the last five meetings against the All Blacks, though New Zealand remain dangerous opponents, especially at home.
Team news – New Zealand
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson has introduced fresh talent into his squad.
Explosive winger Leroy Carter will make his debut, described by Robertson as possibly “the fastest in New Zealand.”
Other key selections include:
- Damian McKenzie returning at fullback,
- Noah Hotham recalled at scrumhalf,
- Will Jordan shifting to the wing,
- Tyrel Lomax and Samisoni Taukei’aho back in the front row.
New Zealand starting XV: Damian McKenzie; Will Jordan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter; Beauden Barrett, Noah Hotham; Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker; Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain); Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot.
Team news – South Africa
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has overhauled the backline, making seven changes in total.
Rising star Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts at flyhalf, while Damian Willemse plays at inside centre for the first time in his career.
Other major calls include:
- Canan Moodie at outside centre,
- Aphelele Fassi at fullback,
- Siya Kolisi returning as captain at flank,
- Lood de Jager back in the second row,
- Jasper Wiese restored at No.8 after serving a suspension.
South Africa starting XV: Aphelele Fassi; Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, Ethan Hooker; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain); Ruan Nortje, Lood de Jager; Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.
What the coaches and captain said
Assistant coach Mzwandile Stick urged his team to be sharper than in last week’s game:
“We had two soft moments early in the match, and we’ve learned from that. This week we must be at our best for the full 80 minutes and make sure we convert our chances into points.”
Captain Siya Kolisi, set to earn his 96th cap, added:
“Most of the guys have played here before, some have won two World Cups. This is not a completely new team. It’s going to be intense, almost like a World Cup final, but we are calm and prepared.”
Match details
- Date: Saturday, 8 September 2025
- Venue: Wellington Regional Stadium, New Zealand
- Kick-off: 19:05 local time (09:05 SAST, 07:05 GMT)
- Weather: Fine early, showers later, strong westerly winds up to 60 km/h, Real Feel 4°C.
- Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
New Zealand vs Springboks score prediction
Both teams have won three or more of their last five matches.
The Springboks’ new backline will be tested, but their pack remains strong.
The All Blacks, with pace and flair from debutant Leroy Carter and playmaker Beauden Barrett, will look to stretch South Africa.
Score prediction: Springboks by less than a try, 24–21.