Springboks vs All Blacks: Key player battles to watch at Eden Park

There will be some bone-crunching mini-battles this morning when the Springboks take on the All Blacks in a historic clash at Eden Park in Auckland.

While victory will require a full team effort, key players on both sides will play pivotal roles as the Boks chase their first win in 88 years at the iconic stadium. New Zealand will rely on some of their stars to preserve the unbeaten record there, which stretches back to 1994.

We take a look at the key matchups in this highly anticipated duel.

Pieter-Steph du Toit vs Ardie Savea

Arguably, the two players with the biggest engines on the field both will aim to deliver an 80-minute performance to help their side over the line. Du Toit will be looking to drive his shoulders into any black jersey that runs his way just as he did during the 2023 World Cup final. Expect no different at Eden Park.

Savea, on the other hand, brings not only physicality but also a major threat at the breakdown. He will be a handful for the Bok cleaners throughout the match and they must stop his momentum early on to prevent him from building up steam.

Handré Pollard vs Beauden Barrett

The battle of the boots. While both flyhalves will be tasked with directing their teams’ attacks, in an expected wet game, their tactical kicking out of hand will be crucial.

Pollard has been ice-cold off the kicking tee and it is a weapon the Boks will need to count on to put the All Blacks under pressure. Barrett, meanwhile, has the ability to create something from nothing, and the Bok defence must remain alert whenever he has the ball in hand.

Grant Williams vs Finlay Christie

Speed and precision will be key in their service to both backs and forwards. Williams has been in sublime form since returning from injury, and this match is a golden opportunity to stake a claim as the undisputed No. 9.

He was effective with his box kicks against Australia and will likely rely on that again. Christie is just as sharp and dangerous as Williams, and whoever gets quicker, cleaner ball from the rucks may tip the balance for their team.

Cheslin Kolbe vs Rieko Ioane

The two wingers know each other well. Ioane can expect to be tested under the high ball, particularly by Kolbe. While the wet conditions might limit Kolbe’s chances to find space, he will still aim to contribute with his all-round game.

Ioane’s physicality is his strength, and the powerful speedster will look to exploit one-on-one opportunities. However, Kolbe won’t shy away from the challenge and will relish the contest.

Ox Nché vs Fletcher Newell

These two props will be licking their lips ahead of their scrum battle, which could become a spectacle in itself. Nché is known for his scrummaging prowess and will look to lay down a marker early on.

Newell, though, won’t back down. Dubbed a “powerful scrummager” by New Zealand head coach Scott Robertson, this is the perfect opportunity for him to prove his mettle against one of the best in the business.