Rugby Championship: Heavyweights collide in Joburg

When it comes to Test rugby there is still no beating a clash between South Africa and New Zealand, so there will be plenty of eyes on the action at Ellis Park in the early hours of Sunday morning.

The Springboks have hit the ground running in the 2024 Rugby Championship, with the reigning world champions earning back-to-back wins over the Wallabies on Australian soil.

New Zealand got off to a rocky start against Argentina with defeat in Wellington, before responding with a convincing victory over Los Pumas in Auckland.

Now all eyes will be on Johannesburg this weekend for what is set to be another titanic tussle between the two most successful national sides in the sport.

. What: South Africa v New Zealand
. Where: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
. When: 01:00 (AEST), Sunday 1st September
. How to watch: Stan Sport
. Odds: South Africa 1.35, New Zealand 3.30

Erasmus spoiled for choice

Making 10 changes to his starting lineup from the first to the second game against the Wallabies, South Africa boss Rassie Erasmus showed off the frightening depth in his squad over the two Tests.

Capable of putting out two teams able to win a Test match against any side in the world, South Africa have made it their mission to produce around 40 players who can do the green and gold jersey proud.

Almost spoiled for choice when it comes to his lineup, Erasmus might well have a few selection headaches ahead of this clash with the All Blacks.

The Boks have won their last two encounters with New Zealand and will be looking this weekend to record three wins on the bounce against the Kiwis for the first time since 2009.

South Africa are 1.35 favourites to claim the victory on Sunday, while they are 1.90 with -7.5 in the handicap market.

All Blacks can look back to 2022

The last time these sides met at Ellis Park Stadium was back in August 2022, in a game that saw New Zealand run out 35-23 winners in Joburg.

Scott Robertson will be looking for inspiration from that performance after what has been a rollercoaster start to his time as All Blacks head coach.

Losing their opening game 38-30 against Argentina at Sky Stadium, the All Blacks responded at Eden Park with a comprehensive 42-10 victory over Los Pumas last time out.

That result will give the Kiwis a confidence boost but they will know a much sterner test awaits them in Johannesburg this weekend.

New Zealand are available at 3.30 to cause an upset and make it three wins in a row against South Africa at Ellis Park, with the Springbok’s last victory at this venue over the All Blacks coming in October 2014.