The Springboks face a daunting challenge against New Zealand’s All Blacks on Saturday at Eden Park in Auckland.
The Springboks haven’t won at Eden Park in 88 years.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks boast a formidable 86% win rate at their ‘spiritual home’.
Likely Springboks XV vs the All Blacks
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (c), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Jean-Luc du Preez, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 RG Snyman, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcom Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Commenting on the decision to name his team on Thursday as opposed to Tuesday, Erasmus said there were a few contributing factors to the call.
“It’s a tough match for both sides, and they are a team that analyses thoroughly,” he said.
“Over and above that, we are not sure what team they’ll announce, while we also have a few injured players at home, and one or two who are not available for selection this week, so there’s a bit of an unknown factor for us both. By announcing our team later in the week, we believe it will even things out more.”
Greatest Springbok in history?
Springboks face a daunting test at Eden Park fortress
The All Blacks are unbeaten in 50 test matches at Eden Park and haven’t lost there against the Springboks since 1937. Overall, they’ve won 80 of 93 test matches at this ground.
What are your score predictions for Saturday?
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