Overview
- New Zealand lead the four-Test series 1-0 after their surprise win at Ellis Park last weekend and have named a changed matchday 23 with Leroy Carter, Simon Parker and George Bower promoted after Josh Moorby, Josh Lord and Ethan de Groot were affected by concussion or rotation.
- South Africa have restored captain Siya Kolisi to the starting XV and moved Handré Pollard into the flyhalf role as coach Rassie Erasmus urged the team to rebound in Cape Town to keep the series alive.
- The All Blacks have formally raised concerns with World Rugby about Springbok scrummaging from the first Test and a late illness forced a referee change to Angus Gardner, placing set-piece interpretations at the centre of the buildup.
- Coach Dave Rennie has identified the scrum, contact area and discipline as specific weaknesses to fix before the Cape Town Test and expects a stronger, more direct Springbok response focused on mauls, high kicks and pressure in the 22.
- A New Zealand win in Cape Town would put them 2-0 up and guarantee at least a share of the series while a South African victory is needed to prevent an early collapse of home hopes and to protect their world ranking ahead of the remaining Tests.