Springboks relish FNB Stadium spectacle as 80,000 fans prepare to roar against All Blacks

Rassie Erasmus expects Saturday’s third Test between South Africa and New Zealand to have a distinctive atmosphere, with the Springboks coach anticipating the noise of vuvuzelas and a crowd of up to 80,000 at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium.

The match is the latest instalment of the Greatest Rivalry series and could prove decisive. The series is level at 1-1 after South Africa recovered from defeat in the opening Test at Ellis Park by beating the All Blacks 33-26 in Cape Town.

That second match was a pulsating contest. The Springboks established a lead before having to withstand a fierce New Zealand comeback during the final 20 minutes.

Whoever wins at FNB Stadium will be unable to lose the series. The fourth and final Test will take place in Baltimore, United States, one week later, meaning Saturday’s winner will either secure the series or ensure the final match cannot produce a New Zealand series victory. A draw in Baltimore would then leave the series level.

Erasmus has largely retained the team that played in Cape Town. Damian Willemse’s injury means Cheslin Kolbe will replace him at fullback, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the starting side on the wing.

“This game is going to be equally, if not more intense than the last two given the fact that the team that wins this match will be two games up in the series, which will make the clash in the USA the decider or game that could see the series finish in a draw, so there will be a different vibe around this match,” said Erasmus.

The Springboks coach believes the setting will provide an unfamiliar experience for many of his players, as well as giving the home side an important lift.

“We are excited that we will be playing at the FNB Stadium, where on a good day there is an 80 000-strong crowd, and that will be a new and exciting experience for our players because most of these players have never ran onto the field there, and the support we enjoy there will add to the occasion.”

FNB Stadium hosted the opening ceremony and final of the 2010 FIFA World Cup and is one of South Africa’s most recognisable sporting venues. On Saturday, its crowd will be part of a Test that carries major consequences for both teams.

Erasmus, however, stressed that the energy inside the stadium would not alter the challenge posed by New Zealand, who will be seeking to regain the momentum lost in Cape Town.

“With the vuvuzelas and passionate crowd there, we can hardly hear one another on the field, so we are all thrilled about this occasion. But make no mistake, this is going to be another intense battle between the two top teams in the world who are both looking to get an edge in the series, so we know what we have to do, and composure and accuracy are going to be vital for both sides.”

Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10 on Saturday.