After every week break The Rugby Championship returns with a change of surroundings. After internet hosting for 2 weeks, Australia and New Zealand have launched into their very own mini-tours to Argentina and South Africa respectively.
Bouncing again to a thumping win over the Pumas in Spherical 2, the All Blacks will face their greatest job but underneath new coach Scott Robertson after they tackle the world champions in Johannesburg. The duty has been made much more difficult with the shock departure of assistant coach Leon MacDonald on the eve of their departure.
In the meantime, the Wallabies have made a poor begin to their marketing campaign soundly overwhelmed twice by the Springboks in Brisbane and Perth. Joe Schmidt shall be hoping he can get his assault firing after they tackle the Pumas over two weeks.
Learn on as we deliver you the most recent group information under and stay up for the Spherical 3 clashes.
Saturday, August 17
South Africa vs. New Zealand, Emirates Airline Par, Johannesburg, 1am AEST [3am NZT, 5pm RSA, 12pm ARG]
Springboks: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Ben-Jason Dixon, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard
All Blacks:
Replacements:
Crew information: Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus hasn’t named Eben Etzebeth, although the veteran lock stays an opportunity to face the All Blacks as he battles a foot harm. For now, Ruan Nortje and Pieter-Steph du Toit will group up within the second-row, whereas Siya Kolisi, Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi and Ox Nche all return to the pack. Within the backs, Erasmus has caught with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at No. 10 however recalled Cobus Reinach inside him, whereas Kurt-Lee Arendse, Damian de Allende and Cheslin Kolbe all return after sitting out the second Take a look at with Australia.
The All Blacks will identify their group on Thursday.
Prediction:
Argentina vs. Australia, Estadio Jorge Luis Hirschi, Buenos Aires, 8am AEST [10am NZ, 12am SA, 7pm ARG]
Pumas:
Replacements:
Wallabies
Replacements:
Crew information:
Prediction:
