The wait is over, and South Africa host New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday.
After three warm-up wins, the All Blacks finally get a crack at the Springboks in the first of four Tests in the inaugural Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series, which is planned to take place every four years.
South Africa have won their last 12 games, most recently 17-10 in Argentina, but are without captain Siya Kolisi. Kolisi is reportedly fit after a hamstring injury, yet the in-form Paul de Villiers starts at blindside flanker.
New Zealand have won all six games under new coach Dave Rennie and have been boosted by the fitness of Damien McKenzie following a twisted ankle. Will Jordan, Cam Roigard and captain Ardie Savea are also named as starters despite not playing a minute on tour.
Both coaches have opted for a five-three split on the bench, suggesting the sides will be ready to play with ambition in Johannesburg.
South Africa v New Zealand Tips Summary
Best Bet - Handicap 2-way - New Zealand +5.5 @ 1/1
Alternative Bet - Will Jordan to Score a Try @ 11/10
Bet Builder - Highest Scoring Half - Second Half, Jesse Kriel to Score a Try & Malcolm Marx to Score a Try @ 14/1
South Africa v New Zealand Prediction
Best Bet - Handicap 2-way - New Zealand +5.5 @ 1/1
The tour matches have not generated the anticipation hoped for ahead of the Tests, yet meetings between South Africa and New Zealand tend to be blockbuster affairs.
Rennie's tourists have beaten Stormers, Sharks and Bulls by an aggregate of 142-40, playing some lovely rugby and rotating heavily to keep everyone fit and match-sharp.
Their fit-again stars only add to their allure, but South Africa have won 12 in a row and five of the last six head-to-heads.
Rassie Erasmus' decision to go with a five-three bench, with centre Andre Esterhuizen potentially acting as an auxiliary forward, is intriguing and could backfire.
There is also pressure on fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
The 24-year-old has been discussed as a generational talent, akin to Dan Carter, but looked rusty in the win over Argentina, which was his first international appearance of the year.
There are also doubts about his goal-kicking, making it a shock that Handre Pollard is not in the 23.
Replacement fly-half Manie Libbok is also inconsistent from the tee. However, he has twice inspired his country to victory over the Kiwis in recent years and Erasmus is not afraid to make early changes.
All Black number 10 Ruben Love is also learning the game, but plays alongside scrum-half Roigard and inside centre Jordie Barrett for the Hurricanes, and both are happy to take over the playmaking pressure.
Rennie has also picked a big pack to challenge the South African forwards, and although the home win is 2/5, this Kiwi side is worth backing on the handicap.
Alternative Bet - Will Jordan to Score a Try @ 11/10
Any chance to back Will Jordan at odds-on is worth interest. He may prefer playing at full-back, but Jordan is deadly on the right wing and his six tries spread over July’s wins against France, Italy and Ireland demonstrate why Rennie seems to prefer him wide.
The 28-year-old has a history of returning from injury and getting straight back up to Test pace.
He went over in his country’s 24-17 win over South Africa at Eden Park last September, his third try against the Boks.
Jordan has now scored 51 tries in just 57 Tests, the type of numbers that are hard to ignore.
South Africa v New Zealand Bet Builder Tip
Highest Scoring Half - Second Half
Jesse Kriel to Score a Try
Malcolm Marx to Score a Try
Pays 14/1
Both teams will throw early shots, but the match may only open up after the break, and the second half has been the highest-scoring in 14 of South Africa's last 19 matches.
The Boks won all three matches in July, with outside centre Jesse Kriel scoring tries in each match. He skipped the trip to Argentina and should be raring to go as he chases a third career score against the All Blacks.
Home hooker Malcolm Marx crossed in South Africa's 43-10 win in Wellington in 2025, taking his tally against the All Blacks to six tries.
Few are as good close to the line and Marx may battle his way over again.
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Key Match Stats
South Africa have won 12 matches in a row
New Zealand have six victories from as many matches under Dave Rennie
The Springboks have won five of the last six meetings
New Zealand’s Will Jordan has scored 51 tries in 57 Tests
Of South Africa’s last 19 matches, the second half has been the highest-scoring in 14
South Africa centre Jesse Kriel scored tries in all three Nations Championship games
Malcolm Marx has scored five career tries against the Kiwis
Read more rugby union betting tips and predictions on site.
This article was written by a partner sports writer via Spotlight Sports Group. All odds displayed on this page were correct at the time of writing and are subject to withdrawal or change at any time.
