South Africa and New Zealand are set to clash today in Johannesburg for the first of four Tests in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Both head coaches, Rassie Erasmus for the Springboks and Dave Rennie for the All Blacks, have engaged in pointed press conferences ahead of the encounter.
The Springboks have made a significant selection call, omitting captain Siya Kolisi, who trained this week but was not chosen. Paul de Villiers will start at openside flanker, rewarded for his strong Nations Championship form. Malcolm Marx and Jasper Wiese are also noted for their jackal threat within the South Africa pack.
For the All Blacks, Ardie Savea returns at No 8, while Tupou Vaa’i has been selected on the blindside, providing an extra lineout jumper. Young fly-half Ruben Love retains his starting spot, with his territorial kicking game expected to be vital. André Esterhuizen, capable of covering flanker and centre, is named on the South Africa bench, while Ethan de Groot is part of New Zealand's front row.