New Zealand vs South Africa – Rugby World Cup: Where to watch and live stream, kick-off time, squads and prediction
It’s the one we’re all looking forward to: New Zealand vs South Africa.
These giants of the game renew their history rivalry on the sport’s greatest stage, playing out their contest at Yokohama’s Nissan Stadium in the opening round of the group games.
It promises to be a spectacle brimming with drama and world-class rugby, with both teams set to hold nothing back as they target a top-placed finish in Pool B.
“It is the Test match that every kid wants to play in,” said the All Black’s Sam Whitelock on Monday.
Their last meeting at the World Cup came in 2015, with eventual winners New Zealand beating their rivals 20-18 in a tense semi-final at Twickenham.
When is it?
New Zealand v South Africa kicks off at 10:45am (BST) on Saturday 21 September.
How can I watch it?
ITV1 will be broadcasting the clash.
You can also live stream the match via ITV Hub on a range of devices, including laptops, smartphones and tablets.
Squads
New Zealand
Backs: Ben Smith, Rieko Ioane, Jordie Barrett, George Bridge, Sevu Reece, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Jack Goodhue, Anton Lienert-Brown, Beauden Barrett, Richie Mo’unga, Aaron Smith, TJ Perenara, Brad Weber.
Forwards: Kieran Read (C), Ardie Savea, Sam Cane, Matt Todd, Luke Jacobson, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Scott Barrett, Patrick Tuipulotu, Joe Moody, Nepo Laulala, Ofa Tuungafasi, Angus Ta’avao, Atu Moli, Codie Taylor, Dane Coles, Liam Coltman.
South Africa
Forwards: Steven Kitshoff, Tendai Mtawarira, Schalk Brits, Malcolm Marx, Bongi Mbonambi, Vincent Koch, Frans Malherbe, Trevor Nyakane, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Franco Mostert, RG Snyman, Siya Kolisi (C), Francois Louw, Kwagga Smith, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Duane Vermeulen.
Backs: Warrick Gelant, Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Sibusiso Nkosi, Lukhanyo Am, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Francois Steyn, Makazole Mapimpi, Elton Jantjies, Handre Pollard, Herschel Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Cobus Reinach.
Prediction
The two sides played out a 16-16 draw over the summer, with Rassie Erasmus’ men showing how far they’ve come in recent months. That result, along with the defeat by Australia, appeared to puncture New Zealand’s aura of invincibility.
It’s going to come down to the wire this one, with little to separate the two teams, but I think the All Blacks remain psychologically superior – despite their recent setbacks. Victory for New Zealand, but only just.