Rugby's Greatest Rivalry: Springboks vs All Blacks preview, FNB Stadium
Rugby's Greatest Rivalry: Springboks vs All Blacks preview, FNB Stadium focuses on a pivotal third Test as South Africa and New Zealand meet with their four-match series locked at 1-1.
The Springboks responded to their 33-16 defeat in the opening Test by beating the All Blacks 33-26 in Cape Town. Now the rivalry moves to Johannesburg, where the winner will take a crucial series advantage into the final Test in Baltimore on September 12.
With FNB Stadium providing the stage, you can expect an enormous atmosphere and another tactical battle between two of international rugby's most successful nations.
Springboks vs All Blacks: date, venue and kick-off
The third Test takes place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, September 5, 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 5:10pm South African time. The venue can hold more than 90,000 spectators, making this one of the biggest occasions of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour.
The All Blacks have previously played twice at FNB Stadium, winning 29-22 in 2010 and 32-16 in 2012. They will therefore have positive memories of the venue, although the current Springboks side will be determined to produce a different outcome. The fourth and final Test will take place in Baltimore on September 12, meaning this Johannesburg clash could effectively become the series' defining fixture.
You can also explore the available rugby matches and upcoming fixtures before making your pre-match assessment.
Springboks looking to build on Cape Town turnaround
South Africa enter the third Test with momentum after their impressive second-Test response. The Springboks trailed in the opening match of the series before eventually losing 33-16, but they produced a much sharper performance in Cape Town.
Siya Kolisi scored a try, while Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende also crossed the line. Cheslin Kolbe added 18 points with his kicking, helping South Africa secure a 33-26 victory.
The result also demonstrated the importance of the physical battle. South Africa improved their performance at the contact area and breakdown, while New Zealand struggled with lineout execution and discipline.
That gives you an important factor to consider when assessing the third Test: can New Zealand clean up those areas, or will the Springboks once again control the physical exchanges? Before assessing the matchup, check the latest rugby betting markets on Sportsbet.io to see which options are available.
Springboks team news
Rassie Erasmus has opted for continuity after the Cape Town victory, with the major change coming through the backline following Damian Willemse's injury. Cheslin Kolbe moves to fullback, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns on the wing. Ethan Hooker retains his place on the opposite flank.
The Springboks' forward pack remains one of the central strengths of the team, with players such as Malcolm Marx, Ox Nché, Wilco Louw, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese providing plenty of physical power. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu continues at fly-half, while Cobus Reinach provides experience at scrum-half.
That combination should allow South Africa to maintain the structured, pressure-heavy approach that has become a defining feature of their rugby.
All Blacks team news
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has made three changes to his starting XV. Asafo Aumua replaces Codie Taylor at hooker, while Sam Darry comes into the second row and Peter Lakai starts in the loose forwards. Ardie Savea continues as captain.
The All Blacks will be particularly keen to improve their set-piece performance after their lineout issues in Cape Town. Cam Roigard remains at scrum-half, with Ruben Love at fly-half. Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea continue in midfield, while Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie provide significant attacking threats.
Rennie has also stressed the importance of starting faster after New Zealand fell behind early in the second Test.
Key battle: the breakdown
One of the most important areas to watch is the breakdown. South Africa have built much of their recent success around physical dominance and the ability to generate pressure through their forwards. If they can win collisions and secure quick ball, they can put New Zealand's defence under sustained pressure.
The All Blacks need to prevent that. Cam Roigard has been one of New Zealand's most dangerous attacking players during the opening Tests, but South Africa know that limiting his effectiveness starts with winning the forward battle.
Springbok scrum-half Morne van den Berg has specifically highlighted the importance of preventing Roigard from receiving consistent front-foot ball.
If New Zealand can secure clean possession and give Roigard time to dictate the tempo, their attacking backs become considerably more dangerous.
Springboks v All Blacks betting angles
The match-winner market will naturally attract plenty of attention, but rugby gives you several alternatives. You can consider:
- Match winner
- Handicap
- Total points
- Winning margin
- Team points
- Half-time markets
- In-play betting
Check the latest Springboks v All Blacks betting odds before kick-off because prices can change as team news, injuries and market sentiment develop.
South Africa's home advantage and second-Test victory make them an understandable selection. However, New Zealand already demonstrated in the opening Test that they can win in Johannesburg.
That makes the handicap particularly interesting if you believe the match will be close. The total-points market also deserves attention. The first two Tests produced 49 and 59 points respectively. Another high-scoring contest could develop if both teams improve their attacking execution, although defensive adjustments could push the game in the opposite direction.
Springboks v All Blacks prediction
This is an extremely difficult Test to call, but South Africa appear to have a slight edge. The Springboks have home advantage, momentum from their Cape Town victory and a relatively settled selection. Their physical approach could also become increasingly influential as the match progresses.
New Zealand have enough attacking quality to cause problems, particularly through Roigard, Barrett, Jordan and McKenzie. If they start quickly and improve their set-piece execution, they can absolutely win. However, expect South Africa to attempt to control territory, dominate the collisions and force the All Blacks into a high-pressure contest.
Prediction: Springboks to win a closely fought third Test.
For bettors who expect a narrow result, the handicap or winning-margin markets could be worth comparing with the straight match-winner option.
Responsible gambling
Rugby betting should be treated as entertainment rather than a guaranteed way to make money.
Set a budget before placing your bets and only wager money you can afford to lose. Avoid chasing losses by increasing your stakes after an unsuccessful bet, and consider using deposit or spending limits where available.
It is also sensible to take regular breaks and avoid betting when you are frustrated or attempting to recover previous losses. If gambling stops feeling recreational or becomes difficult to control, step away and seek support from a recognised responsible-gambling organisation in your region.
Springboks v All Blacks FAQs
When is Springboks v All Blacks?
The third Test takes place on Saturday, September 5, 2026, at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, with kick-off at 5:10pm South African time.
What is the Springboks v All Blacks series score?
The four-Test series is tied at 1-1. New Zealand won the opening Test 33-16, while South Africa won the second Test 33-26.
Where is the third Test being played?
The match is being played at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Who captains the Springboks?
Siya Kolisi captains South Africa.
Who captains the All Blacks?
Ardie Savea is the New Zealand captain for the third Test.
What can you bet on?
Depending on availability, you can find match-winner, handicap, total-points, winning-margin and in-play rugby markets.
Final thoughts
The third Test of Rugby's Greatest Rivalry could prove decisive.
South Africa have responded impressively after their opening defeat, while New Zealand know that another victory in Johannesburg would put them in a strong position before the series finale in Baltimore.
The key battles should come at the breakdown, set piece and territory exchanges. If the Springboks can impose their physical game and prevent Roigard from controlling the tempo, they have an excellent chance of winning at FNB Stadium. Check the latest Springboks v All Blacks odds on Sportsbet.io, compare the available markets and follow the action from FNB Stadium.
