The Springboks are back in the winning column thanks to a 30-22 victory over the Wallabies, but they head to New Zealand with a point to prove.
Rassie Erasmus’ side still looked far from their brilliant best in the win over Joe Schmidt’s side last weekend, and only a 74th-minute score from Eben Etzebeth took them clear of the visitors, but you’d expect them to bring their A-game to Aotearoa.
Should South Africa beat the All Blacks next weekend, they would bring the historic 31-year unbeaten run at their spiritual home of Eden Park to a crushing end, while also putting some distance between themselves and their biggest rivals in the world rankings.
A win for the Boks would also get their Rugby Championship title defence right back on track as well, as they could climb to the top of the table at the halfway stage.
With all of these factors in play, it leaves Erasmus with a big call to make regarding his selection. He will be slightly cautious to change a winning team, especially given the manner of their defeat in the opening round as well, but the returns of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Willie le Roux and Jan-Hendrik Wessels will likely give him some serious food for thought.
Here is our take on how the Boks could line up at Eden Park.
15 Aphelele Fassi
He didn’t have his best game in the Green and Gold last weekend, but when he’s on song, he’s a pivotal part of this new-look attack. His desire to carry the ball in space makes him a consistent weapon, and he backs that up with some clever game reading. Needs a big game to keep his place, though.
14 Canan Moodie
Another who hasn’t quite kicked on this Rugby Championship, but should retain his place given the injuries in the Boks’ wing unit. He did show his finisher’s mentality last weekend with a nice score, but his defence will need to come to the fore against an explosive All Blacks backline.
13 Jesse Kriel
Like the previous two, he’s not quite been at his best to date, but he thrives in big Tests like this. When he’s at his best, he’s such a classy operator on both sides of the ball, and that will be pivotal in neutralising the All Blacks’ midfield unit.
12 Damian de Allende
Made a welcome return to the side last weekend and should keep his spot as a result. His direct, powerful running against the grain gives the Boks a point of difference within this fast-paced attack, but he then almost acts as an extra back-rower with his breakdown work.