Key Battles to Watch as Springboks and All Blacks Clash in Wellington

The Springboks and All Blacks have introduced some new and inexperienced faces for the second Rugby Championship Test in Wellington on Saturday morning (9.05am kick-off).

While the South Africans will be chasing their first win in New Zealand, the home side are aiming for back-to-back Test victories over their rivals for the first time in several years. Key battles are expected both up front and in the backline.

We take a look at five duels that could shape the match.

Experience vs Youth

Cobus Reinach, 35, will face a bright young talent in Noah Hotham, who has been handed the starting role at scrum-half for New Zealand. The 22-year-old is relatively unknown at international level, with only two caps to his name.

That makes him a dangerous opponent for Reinach. However, the veteran’s experience could prove decisive. The double World Cup winner was excellent off the bench at Eden Park last weekend and will want to carry that form into Wellington.

When Speed Meets Speed

Cheslin Kolbe can expect to have his hands full at wing with the All Blacks handing a debut in Wellington to 26-year-old Leroy Carter. Both are former Sevens specialists and Olympic athletes, making this an exciting contest.

Kolbe’s experience, however, could tip the scales. While both will look to dazzle with ball in hand, the real examination may come under the high kicks and in defence — areas where Kolbe has thrived throughout his career.

Getting Over the Gain Line

Jordie Barrett and Damian Willemse will square off in another fascinating battle at the Cake Tin. While inside centre is Barrett’s preferred position, Willemse steps into relatively unfamiliar territory as part of a new midfield partnership.

Both will be tasked with putting their team on the front foot, but Willemse carries the added responsibility of guiding a young fly-half and an inexperienced outside centre. His influence will be critical if the Boks are to come out on top.

The Scrum Contest

Ox Nché will relish the chance to go up against Tyrel Lomax after dominating Fletcher Newell at Eden Park. The Bok loosehead quickly established his authority last weekend and will hope for a more favourable reward from the referee this time.

Lomax, however, is a sturdier scrummager and will be determined to steady the All Black set-piece. Nché will also look to make an impact with ball in hand when carrying into contact.

Marshalling the Lineouts

Lood de Jager faces a major task after Tupou Vaa’i and the All Blacks disrupted the Springbok lineout with ease in Auckland. The lost throws stifled South Africa’s attack, and a stable platform is non-negotiable this time around.

De Jager will look to establish a sharper connection with hooker Malcolm Marx to outsmart Vaa’i and company. He will also be expected to contest more aggressively in his first start. If he gets it right, the Boks’ lineout woes could be resolved on Saturday morning.