South Africa and New Zealand clash in the first of four back-to-back Tests as the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series launches at Ellis Park.
The southern hemisphere heavyweights are colliding in a landmark tour of this type for the first time in 30 years, with the All Blacks unbeaten since arriving on South African soil. Three warm-up wins have served as useful preparation for Dave Rennie’s side, but the intensity, animosity and physicality will ratchet up significant as the Springboks bid to prove themselves again as the best in the world.
The two head coaches have traded barbs about rugby’s lawbook in their press engagements this week, heightening the tension ahead of the series opener. When last these two met, the world champions meted out a record thrashing of New Zealand in Wellington – can the All Blacks hit back to launch the series in style?
Follow all of the latest from the first Test in Johannesburg with our live blog below:
Read MoreSiya Kolisi left out as South Africa reveal team for first New Zealand Test
Springboks v All Blacks: The players that could define first Test
South Africa v New Zealand LIVE
- South Africa host New Zealand in first of four Tests | Live on Sky Sports
- Springboks and All Blacks are colliding in landmark Rugby's Greatest Rivalry series
- 60' – Luke Jacobson extends tourists' lead (RSA 16-26 NZL)
- 48' – Charge down try nudges All Blacks in front (RSA 16-19 NZL)
- HALF TIME: South Africa 13-12 New Zealand
- 23' – Moorby strikes to regain lead after Andre Esterhuizen try (RSA 10-12 NZL)
- 10' – Will Jordan scores in corner to put All Blacks ahead (RSA 3-5 NZL)
TMO CHECK? South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 64 minutes
17:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleHang on. The officials want to check a possible tackle off the ball.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 64 minutes
17:44 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa need to find something, and that’s more like it, Eben Etzebeth motoring up the touchline. He can really shift, you know!
But New Zealand make a mess of a ruck three phases later and force a knock-on from Cobus Reinach. That’s that for the attacking passage.
Leroy Carter replaces Josh Moorby on New Zealand’s wing.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 62 minutes
17:42 , Harry Latham-CoyleWhat’s going on? Strange stuff all over the place at the moment, with Will Jordan dropping a ball in his breadbasket.
More South African changes. Andre Esterhuizen is being replaced. Manie Libbok on, which I think means Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu to full-back and Damian Willemse into inside centre.
South Africa 16-26 New Zealand, 61 minutes
17:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleHow momentum seems to have shifted. South Africa’s restart travels through to the in-goal, and Quinn Tupaea grounds it immediately. That means back to halfway for a scrum.
Marco van Staden and Zachary Porthen come on in the Springboks pack. Paul de Villiers and Wilco Louw replaced.
TRY! South Africa 16-26 NEW ZEALAND (Luke Jacobson, 60 minutes)
17:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnd the All Blacks succeed where the Springboks failed! Back-to-back carries from the back row, first Ardie Savea off the base, then Luke Jacobson winning the race around the corner, blowing right through Pieter-Steph du Toit covering across.
Can Ruben Love add the extras? He can!
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 58 minutes
17:38 , Harry Latham-CoyleCobus Reinach comes on for South Africa. Cheslin Kolbe is going off – Grant Williams to the wing. A major blow for South Africa, who now have a scrum half and a centre on either wing.
What a turnaround. Now it is New Zealand right on the offensive.
No try! South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 57 minutes
17:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleOh, how have New Zealand not scored? It’s scintillating rugby from the All Blacks, Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie carving right across the Highveld like two cheetahs across open savannah. McKenzie looks for Cam Roigard with the try-scoring pass, but it is knocked back by Damian Willemse.
Roigard is still favourite to get to the ricochet but the spin eludes him! Wow, oh wow! Grant Williams gets back to ground, but it’ll be a five-metre New Zealand scrum. Nearly something sensational!
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 57 minutes
17:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleNine entries into the All Blacks’ 22 now for South Africa for just one try. Add in one penalty and it’s 1.1 points per entry – which is a bit of a problem.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 56 minutes
17:34 , Harry Latham-CoylePenalty to New Zealand! Asafo Aumua and Fletcher Newell, a fresh hooker and tighthead, are thrown on and do the trick, steadying the front row. The Springboks grow frustrated and Matthew Carley penalises them for the angle...perhaps harshly, with both sides spinning, but the All Blacks survive!
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 55 minutes
17:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleIf the All Blacks can survive this passage, what a boost that would be. Easier said than done. Springboks scrum feed, dead centre, five metres out.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 54 minutes
17:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo penalty this time, so South Africa will have to try something different. They do, successfully, injecting pace, power and purpose as they sweep to the right.
New Zealand are offside under their own posts. A forward pass ensures the Springboks won’t capitalise immediately but there’s a siege surely coming...
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 53 minutes
17:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleAlmost there! Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu goes it alone after another scrum-time munching, but is held up over the line by a gaggle of desperately recovering New Zealanders.
The Springboks will set a scrum again from the penalty. We’ve seen this story before – and Matthew Carley was the referee in similar circumstances when South Africa dismantled Ireland last November.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 52 minutes
17:27 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood lord. That’s the sort of footage they cut away from on nature documentaries, South Africa playing with their prey as they tear the All Blacks pack to pieces at scrum-time.
There’s little surprise when Pieter-Steph du Toit pats his hands together to call for a repeat from the penalty.
South Africa 16-19 New Zealand, 50 minutes
17:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa’s basics had been really, really solid until that point. One to frustrate Rassie Erasmus and co.
As will that. Jasper Wiese gathers momentum with a typically forthright carry, with Jordie Barrett doing well to grab him at the thighs, but Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have a malfunction at the next junction. It looked like the latter overran the former’s pass, and knocked it on while trying to reel it in.
TRY! South Africa 16-19 NEW ZEALAND (Fabian Holland, 48 minutes)
17:24 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut the All Blacks pinch one! A chargedown and rumble to the line from Fabian Holland!
It’s sensational from the big Dutchman. He times his blocking burst around the corner perfectly and virtually takes the ball off the toe of Grant Williams. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu can’t halt him, and Ruben Love’s conversion makes it a seven-pointer.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 16-12 New Zealand (Cheslin Kolbe, 47 minutes)
17:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleFour from four for Cheslin Kolbe off the tee. Some performance so far from the wing.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 46 minutes
17:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s Ox Nche’s last act. Gerhard Steenekamp comes on as South Africa point to the posts.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 44 minutes
17:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleA slightly scrappy start to the half. New Zealand are justifiably frustrated that an aerial tap-back from Cheslin Kolbe is ruled an All Blacks knock-on...and then South Africa are justifiably frustrated that, if that is the call, they don’t have a penalty for an offside player playing it.
No matter. A scrum may offer a route to one...and does, despite a strong initial shunt from New Zealand, as Wilco Louw gets into George Bower.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 42 minutes
17:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother aerial win from the Springboks, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu collecting his own up-and-under...but New Zealand earn a scrum feed by holding up Grant Williams.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 41 minutes
17:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleRuben Love hoists the restart high into the South African 22. Grant Williams keeps his clearance contestable, and Cheslin Kolbe gets up in the air to win it back. That’s another area where the Springboks have had an advantage so far.
Second half...
17:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa have already lost Kurt-Lee Arendse, of course – Jesse Kriel is on the wing with Andre Esterhuizen at 12 and milestone man Damian de Allende to 13. They do have real options if they need to vary that again: Grant Williams could go out wide, or Damian Willemse with Manie Libbok as another playmaking option among the replacements. It’s not necessarily ideal, though.
The players are back out there.
HT: South Africa 13-12 New Zealand
17:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleGood stuff in Johannesburg – physical, intense, and full of fun attacking play. It’s even at the interval but New Zealand will be concerned about the scrum, particularly having already seemingly lost two tight five forwards to head injuries. South Africa will be disappointed not to have converted at least one more of their seven 22 entries – though their set-piece strength means there will surely be more to come.
Back for more in a bit...
HALF TIME: South Africa 13-12 New Zealand
17:00 , Harry Latham-Coyle
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 40 minutes
16:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleBut Jasper Wiese fails to hold on to the ball in contact, and that’ll be that.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 40 minutes
16:59 , Harry Latham-CoyleA last chance before half time for South Africa. A high kick is tapped back by visiting hands and Ruben Love is trapped in and whacked out of play by Cheslin Kolbe, chasing hard.
A superb attacking platform with 30 seconds to go before the interval.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 39 minutes
16:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleCam Roigard is having to do some deft dodging today. The scrum half keeps having to extricate himself from spots of bother, and does so again to allow Jordie Barrett to thump the ball upfield.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 38 minutes
16:56 , Harry Latham-CoyleMatthew Carley brings the game to a halt with a couple of All Blacks down with head injuries...and Pieter-Steph du Toit is holding his head, too, after a massive hit from Fabian Holland on him. Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord are the men stricken elsewhere, and I imagine will both have to go off.
Yes, George Bower and Simon Parker are stripped and ready. Parker will go to the blindside and Tupou Vaa’i into the row, one imagines.
Eesh – a nasty clash of heads as the pair attempted to quell the might of Jasper Wiese. Friendly fire, and quite possibly both their evenings ending prematurely.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 37 minutes
16:54 , Harry Latham-CoyleNice idea; not quite the execution. Mighty mouse Cheslin Kolbe outleaps several larger men to win an aerial contest off Grant Williams’ boot, but Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu’s cross-kick to Jesse Kriel, now occupying the left wing after Kurt-Lee Arendse’s failed HIA, is too tall for his target. Out on the full.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 36 minutes
16:53 , Harry Latham-CoyleArdie Savea bails out of the rapidly retreating car in the nick of time. Worries, there, for New Zealand, both today and with three more Tests to come.
Savea’s escape from the scrum allows Cam Roigard to get a very good clearing kick away.
NO TRY! South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 35 minutes
16:52 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth African butchery of the highest order! Oh, Malcolm, that’s a bit of a shocker – there’s a hand from Jordie Barrett in there, but the hooker’s got to have a tighter grasp of the ball as he reaches for the line.
No try quickly confirmed by television match official Mike Adamson. A let off for New Zealand – though a scrum five out won’t be much fun.
Try? South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 35 minutes
16:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleA seemingly unstoppable maul but has Malcolm Marx dropped it?....
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 34 minutes
16:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother penalty against New Zealand, once again driving too soon on a lifter at the lineout before the hoisted individual had come to floor. I think that is nine penalties against the All Blacks now, and Ardie Savea asks for a chat with referee Matthew Carley before the Springboks go again at the lineout.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 32 minutes
16:47 , Harry Latham-CoyleJasper Wiese charges into a colleague as he looks to inflict damage on the New Zealand defensive line. Accidental offside, so a scrum.
And the Springboks make a statement! Ox Nche pulverises Tyrel Lomax, and Wilco Louw comes with him on the other side. A penalty and a return to advanced position.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 30 minutes
16:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleA tonking carry from Paul de Villiers creates yet more breathing room...particularly when it draws a penalty from a New Zealand tackler failing to release.
South Africa go to the air, Grant Williams spiralling one up overhead. Will Jordan claims it soundly on the retreat, but then takes a quick tap from the mark and belts the ball straight into South African hands. Springboks ball in New Zealand’s half.
South Africa 13-12 New Zealand, 28 minutes
16:43 , Harry Latham-CoyleJasper Wiese can’t stay in play as he attempts to run out of his own 22. But South Africa then drag Will Jordan over the same section of whitewash after a slightly curious passage of New Zealand play. Springboks lineout.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 13-12 New Zealand (Cheslin Kolbe, 27 minutes)
16:41 , Harry Latham-CoyleAnother straightforward strike for South Africa’s wing. Back in front.
South Africa 10-12 New Zealand, 25 minutes
16:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth African hands get to the restart, but knock it on. Down for another spot of shoving, then...
Or not! New Zealand are penalised before Cam Roigard can insert. Cheslin Kolbe will kick for goal.
Kurt-Lee Arendse will not return. He’s failed his head injury assessment.
TRY! South Africa 10-12 NEW ZEALAND (Josh Moorby, 23 minutes)
16:39 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s what the All Blacks can do!
A wonderfully skilful score. Jordie Barrett exploits space with a rainbow pass to Tupou Vaa’i, once again hugging the touchline. The big lock-cum-flanker thunders along the tramline and holds off Grant Williams, keeping the arms free as he draws the last man. Josh Moorby takes his in-field offload and avoids the octopus-like clutches of Pieter-Steph du Toit to hurry to the line.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 22 minutes
16:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleInto a bit of a kicking exchange, which Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu settles down by claiming a mark.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 21 minutes
16:36 , Harry Latham-CoyleA bit more pep in New Zealand’s step as they play with pace near halfway, finding a little bit more room on the edges with the Springboks slow in transition. South Africa reform, though, and catch Josh Moorby shuffling behind the gainline.
Cam Roigard has to go to the air...and Damian Willemse commands the skies. As per.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 19 minutes
16:34 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand work the ball to the right edge off first phase, out the back twice and then Will Jordan sent on in space. Cheslin Kolbe cuts him down brilliantly – the wing doesn’t get enough credit for how strong he is defensively.
It makes a difference, too, as New Zealand commit a neck roll at a ruck soon after. Penalty to South Africa.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 17 minutes
16:32 , Harry Latham-CoyleA nudge on from South Africa but the All Blacks whisk the ball away from the base quickly. Their forwards are a bit slow to a wide ruck, allowing the Springboks to slow the ball down...but when they do so again, there is a penalty against the hosts for a failure to roll away.
Ruben Love kicks towards the left corner.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 15 minutes
16:31 , Harry Latham-CoylePointedly, a couple of Springboks have a word in referee Matthew Carley’s ear as the All Blacks take their time over an injury. “I’m aware of the storyline,” the referee says, swatting them away after all the talk of South Africa’s own preference to slow things down. Strong from Carley.
South Africa 10-5 New Zealand, 15 minutes
16:29 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat’s the value that Esterhuizen gives you. He was so, so good off the bench in the centres in Wellington last year but has played more in the back row since – but needed early today, in he steps to make a try-scoring impact.
Ox Nche loses possession in phase play after the restart. A raised hand of apology from the prop, though he won’t necessarily mind a first scrum skirmish.
TRY! SOUTH AFRICA 10-5 New Zealand (Andre Esterhuizen, 14 minutes)
16:28 , Harry Latham-CoyleSometimes a forward, now in the backs but impactful wherever! Andre Esterhuizen makes his mark after an early introduction, speedbumping poor Josh Moorby like a runaway 18-wheeler.
Moorby should do better, but it’s tough when they are built like Esterhuizen is – and move like that! The conversion extends the advantage.
South Africa 3-5 New Zealand, 13 minutes
16:26 , Harry Latham-CoyleMalcolm Marx finds Ruan Norje at the tail this time, and the Springboks maul well initially. Grant Williams smuggles the ball back as it loses momentum, and onwards the forwards can plough, thrown around the corner and into the All Blacks defensive line.
South Africa 3-5 New Zealand, 12 minutes
16:25 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe Springboks clearly think they’ve spotted something with the way Cam Roigard sets up his box kicks. Ruan Nortje is this time the man lurking with intent on the fringes, but the lock is ordered back by Matthew Carley before he can attempt to charge down.
A perhaps unsettled Roigard’s clearance only travels 35 metres, and New Zealand drive too soon at the lineout. Penalty to South Africa, and another decision for Pieter-Steph du Toit. Corner this time.
Matthew Carley took a bang in that passage, ploughed into by a Springbok. “Are you alright?” the English referee jokingly asks of the South African. Good stuff.
South Africa 3-5 New Zealand, 11 minutes
16:22 , Harry Latham-CoyleMore worries for South Africa – Kurt-Lee Arendse’s mouthguard has pinged and he’ll have to go for a head injury assessment. Andre Esterhuizen is sent for, which will mean a reshuffle – Jesse Kriel to the wing?
TRY! South Africa 3-5 NEW ZEALAND (Will Jordan, 10 minutes)
16:21 , Harry Latham-CoyleHe just won’t stop scoring! Test try 52 for the remarkable Will Jordan, but give the credit to Cam Roigard!
What a difference the scrum half makes. It’s silver service to the prolific wing, a laser-like pass singeing the eyebrows of the waiting tacklers on the South Africa line. Jordan therefore has the room to squeeze into the corner.
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 9 minutes
16:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe maul is stalled but Cam Roigard bursts away, making a few metres. Advantage coming, and maybe more...
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 7 minutes
16:19 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe enormous Tupou Vaa’i is a tough man to high tackle but South Africa manage it, allowing advantage. Ardie Savea skips out of a challenge and the All Blacks spread it to the right. There’s Vaa’i again, lurking out wide as is his wont...but the Springboks are across to cover in good number.
Back for the penalty, then, and there’s no thought of three. Into the corner.
South Africa 3-0 New Zealand, 6 minutes
16:18 , Harry Latham-CoyleThat will really frustrate Dave Rennie. South Africa had been profligate from the lineout but New Zealand just failed to settle themselves and properly clear their lines.
A midfield penalty on halfway will allow them to march into advanced territory for the first time. Wilco Louw offside.
Ruben Love punts the penalty down towards the home 22.
PENALTY! SOUTH AFRICA 3-0 New Zealand (Cheslin Kolbe, 5 minutes)
16:16 , Harry Latham-CoyleJust as against England in the Nations Championship in July, Cheslin Kolbe is on duty from the tee...and slots his first without fuss.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 3 minutes
16:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleAn error from Marx, which is a relative rarity these days. Overthrown, and the All Blacks scramble a sort-of clearance away.
Not far, though, and the Springboks earn a soft penalty. New Zealand’s failure to then give the ball up costs them another 10 metres, and South Africa will kick for goal.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 2 minutes
16:14 , Harry Latham-CoyleA turnover each way, first Malcolm Marx showing off his pinching paws, then Cam Roigard stealing possession back for the All Blacks. But that’s some start defensively from the Springboks! Ethan de Groot is absolutely detonated by Ox Nche and Marx, and Jasper Wiese feasts on the carrion. We talked about the jackal threat South Africa now have....
Into the 22 those forwards are kicked.
South Africa 0-0 New Zealand, 1 minute
16:12 , Harry Latham-CoyleNearly! Eben Etzebeth, so good at this sort of thing, charges down Cam Roigard’s first box kick...but had just strayed offside. Tight. Etzebeth normally times those perfectly. Sharp spot from Matthew Carley.
KICK OFF!
16:11 , Harry Latham-CoyleA blast of Matthew Carley’s whistle and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets the first Test underway!
Haka
16:09 , Harry Latham-CoyleCodie Taylor – sporting a shiner under his right eye – will lead New Zealand’s Haka, the traditional pre-match challenge laid down. The Springboks meet it head on, moving nary a muscle as they stare their opponents down.
South Africa vs New Zealand
16:07 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe two anthems are sung with typical passion, Sean Fitzpatrick bearing the New Zealand flag and arm-in-arm with the current All Blacks crop. Gary Teichmann does likewise at the end of the Springboks line. Past, present, future – it’s all happening in this series.
A few more Kiwis in Johannesburg than we might have expected. Only pockets of them, mind, amongst the South African shirts that line the stands.
South Africa vs New Zealand
16:01 , Harry Latham-CoyleArdie Savea heads the All Blacks line as they emerge from the tunnel, plenty of intensity on the faces as they charge out.
Damian de Allende will lead South Africa out as he brings up a century of Springboks caps. He’s got his wife and two young kids with him – a lovely moment for the family. The youngest De Allende marvels at the sheer size of Ellis Park – it’s some place, little fella.
South Africa vs New Zealand
16:00 , Harry Latham-CoyleSean Fitzpatrick, who led New Zealand’s “Incomparables” to victory on tour here in 1996, carries half of the trophy out, with South African counterpart from 30 years ago Gary Teichmann placing the other side on the plinth. Echoes of history everywhere as the planes fly overhead, just as they did (in a slightly less planned fashion) before the World Cup final in 1995.
South Africa vs New Zealand
15:57 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe battle at No 12 should be great today. Damian de Allende hits 100 for South Africa after a long period of such solidity in that inside centre shirt – how well he and Jesse Kriel marry with one another. Jordie Barrett perhaps has more tools in his toolbox, mind, and is so, so vital to this All Blacks team. Two outstanding operators.
South Africa vs New Zealand match officials
15:50 , Harry Latham-CoyleThere’ll be a fair bit of pressure on the officiating team today after all that has been said by the two sides’ coaches in the build-up to this series. Matthew Carley is made of strong stuff, fortunately.
South Africa v New Zealand referee: Who is first Test official Matthew Carley?
Ardie Savea thinks extra 'edge' could benefit players
15:40 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe increasing tension between hosts South Africa and the touring New Zealand team ahead of the first Test will serve to get the best out of the two sides, All Blacks captain Ardie Savea believes.
Today’s match at Ellis Park, where the Springboks narrowly beat New Zealand to win the World Cup in extra time in 1995, is the first of four Tests in the ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’ series which sees the Kiwis embarking on a full-scale tour of South Africa for the first time in 30 years.
“The stakes are high and there's a lot of hype and edge around the game but, for me, I think that brings the best out of all players," Savea admitted. “We respect the Springboks, they’re a real class outfit but also I believe we’re going to have just as much quality. Hopefully, we go out there and put on a spectacle.”
Pieter-Steph du Toit says Springboks must stay on their toes
15:30 , Harry Latham-CoyleSouth Africa captain Pieter-Steph du Toit believes the Springboks will have to be switched on at all times today to avoid being caught napping by an All Blacks team that likes to up the tempo.
“We know New Zealand are going to bring it with intensity,” Du Toit said.
“We really believe the line outs and the scrum are going to be something where we're going to have to perform well. They're going to try and test us, finding gaps if we switch off. We know they're quite fast and have very skilful players. They're definitely going to try and exploit this and come up with good plans as well.So I would say we have to be alert at all times and don't get caught out.”
Team news – New Zealand
15:20 , Harry Latham-CoyleArdie Savea returns to lead New Zealand having been rested from the tour matches. Ruben Love is again trusted at No 10 with no place for either Beauden Barrett or Richie Mo’unga in the 23, and all of Will Jordan, Damian McKenzie and Cam Roigard shake off injury fears to start.
There are five forwards on the bench as flankers Simon Parker and Peter Lakai both earn inclusion with Tupou Vaa’i covering lock from the back row.
New Zealand XV: 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax; 4 Josh Lord, 5 Fabian Holland; 6 Tupou Vaa’i, 7 Luke Jacobson, 8 Ardie Savea (capt.); 9 Cam Roigard, 10 Ruben Love; 11 Josh Moorby, 12 Jordie Barrett, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 14 Will Jordan; 15 Damian McKenzie.
Repacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Simon Parker, 20 Peter Lakai; 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert-Brown, 23 Leroy Carter.
Team news – South Africa
15:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleSiya Kolisi is left out by the Springboks, with Paul de Villiers preferred on the openside as South Africa take a cautious approach with their captain. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets the nod at fly half, while Damian de Allende earns his 100th cap in a familiar midfield pairing with Jesse Kriel.
There are five specialist forwards on the bench, plus Andre Esterhuizen – who will cover both the back row and his usual centre slot, as he did last year.
South Africa XV: 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw; 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje; 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (capt.), 8 Jasper Wiese; 9 Grant Williams, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12 Damian de Allende, 13 Jesse Kriel, 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 15 Damian Willemse.
Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Marco van Staden; 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok.
When last they met...
15:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleThe most recent meeting between South Africa and New Zealand was memorable, too, as the Springboks dealt a record drubbing to their hosts in Wellington – which eventually, really, led to the axing of Scott Robertson as head coach.
Overall, it’s 63-43 in the All Blacks favour in the long history of this fixture, with four draws thrown in for good measure.
All Blacks suffer heaviest ever defeat as Springboks dismantle New Zealand
A famous venue
14:55 , Harry Latham-CoyleEllis Park is a fitting opening venue for this Test series, with memories of 1995 – Mandela, Pienaar, Lomu and the rest – sure to come flooding back. Ahead of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, Luke Baker looked back on perhaps the most significant day in rugby history.
Springboks set for rematch of day that ‘changed South Africa forever’
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule, results, kick-off times and how to watch South Africa vs New Zealand
14:45 , Harry Latham-CoyleNeed a reminder of the full itinerary for this landmark tour? Our catch-all explainer has you covered ahead of four huge weeks:
Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry schedule and how to watch Springboks v All Blacks
The deeper significance behind South Africa and New Zealand’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
14:35 , Harry Latham-CoyleThis is the start of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series proper, with the landmark new reciprocal touring agreement between these two nations coming at an intriguing time for South Africa, New Zealand and rugby generally:
The deeper significance behind the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
Springboks v All Blacks: The players that could define first Test
14:25 , Harry Latham-CoylePlenty to go at in the two sides, with each selection instructive over how each team may wish to play. Here are five figures who could define this first Test:
Springboks v All Blacks: The players that could define first Test
Ardie Savea returns to lead New Zealand as All Blacks make fly half decision for first Test against South Africa
14:15 , Harry Latham-CoyleNew Zealand, meanwhile, are bolstered by their captain as Ardie Savea returns from a rest to lead the All Blacks.
Ardie Savea returns to lead New Zealand in first Test against South Africa
Siya Kolisi left out as South Africa reveal team for first New Zealand Test
14:05 , Harry Latham-CoyleRassie Erasmus delayed the naming of his Springboks team until Thursday, atypically late for the South Africa head coach – but there was still some major news:
Siya Kolisi left out as South Africa reveal team for first New Zealand Test
South Africa vs New Zealand LIVE
08:13 , Harry Latham-CoyleA mighty meeting of southern hemisphere heavyweights launches properly this afternoon as South Africa and New Zealand embark on the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. The storied Ellis Park is our venue for the first of four Tests between the pair as the Springboks and All Blacks collide – this should be very, very tasty indeed.
Kick off is at 4.10pm BST.
