Springboks and All Blacks set for Soweto showdown as philosophies collide

Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says South Africa will remain true to their own style when they face the All Blacks in the decisive third Test of the Greatest Rivalry Series in Soweto on Saturday.

The series is level at 1-1, leaving both teams under pressure to secure victory in a match that is expected to be another fiercely contested encounter. Stick believes precise execution will be crucial if the Springboks are to claim the result they want.

New Zealand’s team changes are likely to reinforce their commitment to keeping the ball in hand, according to Stick, who expects the All Blacks to test South Africa’s defence by maintaining pressure through extended periods of possession.

“The message from their side is clear – they say how they want to play and then they play that way,” said Stick, speaking to reporters on Friday.

“We can all see that New Zealand want to maximise ball-in-play time. They want to keep the ball in hand, and if you look at their personnel, it’s clear they want more ball carriers who can keep the ball alive.”

The Springboks assistant coach said South Africa would not abandon the approach that has brought them success. He also warned that the All Blacks are expected to focus on the breakdown, where they will seek to disrupt the Springboks’ momentum and force errors.

“That said, the one thing I enjoy about where we are is that we have our own DNA. They’re not going to change their DNA for the weather or anything else. They’ll still try to enforce it on us, and we’ll do the same,” he noted.

The contrasting approaches have been a defining feature of the series. New Zealand are expected to favour continuity and attacking momentum, while South Africa will look to impose their own physical and disciplined style when opportunities emerge.

Stick said the ability to turn attacking chances into points could ultimately decide the contest.

“The team that creates opportunities and turns them into points has a better chance to win. So, we know they’re going to come hard at the breakdowns and target that area.

“And if we create opportunities, we have to be clinical. The team that puts everything together and executes it well will stand the best chance of winning tomorrow.”

With the teams tied after the opening two Tests, Saturday’s match offers one side the chance to take the lead in the series. The contest also follows a week of heightened attention and exchanges between the two camps, adding further significance to the meeting.

Kick-off in Soweto is at 17:10.