In the 2025 Rugby Championship’s most eagerly-awaited encounter, New Zealand welcomes South Africa at Eden Park on Saturday, September 6.
Additionally, after a hard-fought win in the previous round in Buenos Aires, Argentina head to Queensland to lock horns with Australia, aiming to extend their winning run in the Championship, and possibly mount a title charge.
All the teams have been named ahead of the hotly anticipated double-header on the weekend, with plenty of reaction coming out of the camps, previewing both matches.
Springboks back experience
Rassie Erasmus has opted for a wealth of experienced double-World Cup winners to extend their winning streak over the All Blacks to five games, and to break the decades-old Eden Park record.
A record signified by a 50-game unbeaten run, a fortress unbroken since 1994.
Speaking on the history between the two sides and the monumental occasion, Erasmus said: “The history and rivalry between the sides speaks for itself, and with all the permutations attached to this match, it makes it particularly noteworthy, so we are expecting it to be a proper grind,” quoted per Supersport.
“There are records on the line for both teams, and there’s no doubt that this game will be important in trying to win the competition, especially given how close the standings are at this stage.
“It’s definitely going to be a special match, and both teams will give everything they have out there.”
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Premier League news: Gianluigi Donnarumma ‘excited’ to start Man City career
Kriel to captain the Springboks
With regular captain Siya Kolisi a late inclusion in the side after Jean-Luc du Preez’s withdrawal through injury after being named preliminarily, outside-centre Jesse Kriel captains the team.
“He’s a great leader and one of the core players in our team. His communication with the referee and his teammates is good, and he leads by example in the way he plays, so he deserves this opportunity,” Erasmus said.
“It will also be a big occasion for him to captain the team against the All Blacks for the first time, so we are proud of Jesse, and we know he’ll carry this responsibility with great pride.”
Savea plays 100th Test
All Black loose forward Ardie Savea is set to become the 15th player in New Zealand rugby history to be a Test centurion.
Scott Robertson was immensely complimentary of Savea’s pending achievement, praising him for all he has given to international rugby and his attitude and professionalism in the camp.
“Ardie embodies everything that makes an All Black. He brings an extraordinary level of passion, leadership, and mana every time he pulls on the jersey,” Robertson said.
“We will honour his milestone with a performance that reflects not just his quality on the field, but the example he sets every day.”
YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN: NFL news: Philadelphia Eagles take on Dallas Cowboys in 2025 season opener
Schmidt confident but wary of Argentina threat
Wallabies coach Joe Schmidt spoke to the media in Townsville ahead of their closely contested match-up with Argentina.
After splitting the wins across two Tests against the Springboks in South Africa in round one and two, Schmidt will look to consistency and accuracy as a means of success for a Wallabies side that has seen an uptick in performance this season.
“Los Pumas are a combative and skilled side, and they will be confident after their recent performances. We know we’re going to need to be at our very best on Saturday afternoon,” he said.
Los Pumas riding a wave of confidence
After clinching their first Test win on home soil in Buenos Aires against the All Blacks in the previous round, Argentina will have taken plenty of confidence from that victory when arriving in Queensland to prepare for their upcoming clash against the Wallabies.
Additionally, Los Pumas picked up an immense and assertive victory 67-27 against the Wallabies just last year.
Although well aware of that, head coach Felipe Contepomi won’t be underestimating the composed rugby mind of Joe Schmidt.
“We know Joe is meticulous, he’s detail-oriented, and he’s bound to have something prepared,” Contepomi said.
“So, if you add to that the quality the Australians already have as athletes … it’s going to be a very tough match.
“We’re friends, but enemies for 80 minutes.”
Both matches kick off this Saturday, September 6, with the All Blacks vs Springboks headlining the Rugby Championship round three.
READ NEXT: Cricket news: Harry Brook says England must ‘move on’ from ODI mauling by South Africa
SportJustSport writers