With captain Siya Kolisi facing a late fitness test and Cheslin Kolbe ruled out, Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has revealed a number of injury concerns ahead of the second Test of the Greatest Rivalry Series against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.

Springbok utility forward Pieter-Steph du Toit will mark the significant achievement of becoming the 11th player in Springbok history to earn 100 Test caps, while prop Ox Nche will join the club of players to have earned 50 caps when the Boks face New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday in the second Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Springbok centre Jesse Kriel was gracious following the team’s defeat to the All Blacks in the opening match of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series in Johannesburg on Saturday night, saying they would take the result on the chin and put in the hard work in the coming days to ensure they return stronger next weekend.

The Springboks were left to rue a costly combination of handling errors and missed opportunities as New Zealand produced a clinical display to secure a statement victory at Ellis Park on Saturday, taking a commanding lead in the Greatest Rivalry Series. Despite enjoying significant territorial dominance and repeatedly threatening the All Blacks’ defensive line, the

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has urged his team to respond rather than panic after the All Blacks inflicted a 33-16 defeat on South Africa in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry on Saturday.

The All Blacks set the tone emphatically, outscoring the Springboks five tries to one as they secured a convincing 33-16 victory at a raucous Ellis Park in the opening match of the Greatest Rivalry Series.

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick and captain Pieter-Steph du Toit have expressed their excitement about taking part in what they described as a “special tournament” against the All Blacks in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus admits there is a huge desire within the South African camp to make a winning start against New Zealand in Saturday’s opening Test, which carries significant importance in a highly anticipated four-match series.

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has explained the thinking behind his selections for the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday, stressing that combinations, player form and long-term fitness all played a role as South Africa prepare for a demanding four-Test series.