South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus will be demanding a response from his side when they host New Zealand in the second Test of "Rugby's Greatest Rivalry" series this Saturday in Cape Town.
Truly one of the greatest rivalries in sport, a close encounter was expected in the opening exchange in this four-Test series on South African soil.
However, it was the Springboks who were left with a bloody nose in Johannesburg, as Dave Rennie's All Blacks secured a 33-16 victory at Ellis Park.
Erasmus has turned to some experienced heads for the second Test on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium and the Boks will be doing all they can to prevent the All Blacks from taking an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series this weekend.
South Africa v New Zealand Tips Summary
Best Bet - South Africa -7.5 handicap @ 10/11
Alternative Bet - Cheslin Kolbe anytime tryscorer @ 6/5
Bet Builder - South Africa to win, Jesse Kriel & Will Jordan anytime tryscorer @ 10/1
South Africa v New Zealand Prediction
Best Bet: South Africa -7.5 handicap @ 10/11
It was back in September 2025 the previous time the Boks conceded 30 or more points in a Test match and defence coach and former Ireland international Jerry Flannery will have had plenty to say following that opening defeat in Johannesburg.
The Boks have some significant names returning to the squad, with skipper Siya Kolisi back in the back-row a significant boost.
South Africa were punished for their mistakes in the opening Test and they know that they can't repeat those errors this weekend.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu endured a tough time in Johannesburg and he will need to be much more accurate if the Boks are to triumph this weekend.
The Boks are most dangerous when wounded and, having won 13 of their last 14 games, South Africa are fancied to win and cover the -7.5 handicap in Cape Town.
Alternative Bet: Cheslin Kolbe anytime tryscorer @ 6/5
Cheslin Kolbe is likely to prove a handful out in the wide channels on Saturday and is backed to get his name back on the scoresheet.
There were concerns regarding the World Cup-winning winger's fitness after a knock in the opening Test, but Kolbe has been called up to the starting XV for Saturday’s showdown.
Blessed with electric pace and strength that is beyond belief considering his size, Kolbe is tipped to add to the 21 Test tries he has already scored for his country.
South Africa v New Zealand Bet Builder Tip
South Africa to win
Jesse Kriel anytime tryscorer
Will Jordan anytime tryscorer
Pays 10/1
With the Boks backed to claim the victory in Cape Town on Saturday, Jesse Kriel and Will Jordan have also been picked out in the anytime tryscorer market.
Kriel has scored tries in three of his last four Test appearances for the Boks, and it would be little surprise to see the centre power over for the hosts this weekend.
Meanwhile, All Black try machine Will Jordan has to also be considered following his tryscoring display in Johannesburg last weekend.
With 53 tries in 58 appearances for the All Blacks, it’s a rare thing for New Zealand's all-time leading Test tryscorer to not get his name on the scoresheet.
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Key Match Stats
New Zealand won the first Test 33-16 in Johannesburg last Saturday
The Springboks have won 13 of their last 14 games, with their last two defeats coming against the All Blacks
New Zealand have won their last five Test matches, with their last defeat coming against England back in November 2025
South Africa have won five of the last seven games against New Zealand
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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.
