All Blacks v Springboks: Key matchups that will decide the Eden Park showdown

The two sides have a storied rivalry and are ranked first and second in the World Rugby rankings, making this one of the most hotly anticipated Tests of the season.

To add to the drama, the Springboks have dominated recent encounters between the two sides, winning the past four Tests in a row, while the All Blacks haven't lost at Eden Park in over 30 years and 50 matches.

Front Row Battle: Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, Thomas de Toit vs Ethan de Groot, Codie Taylor, Fletcher Newell

The scrum is a cornerstone of both teams’ strategies and this matchup will set the tone for physical dominance. On paper, Ox Nche's low centre of gravity and scrummaging strength give him a huge advantage over Ethan de Groot, who is more of a mobile loosehead prop than a gun scrummager.

The Springboks scrum is a weapon and will be crucial to controlling the game but if the All Blacks can disrupt the set piece, it will go a long way to providing a platform for them to unleash their exciting and mobile running game.

Second Row: Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje vs Scott Barrett and Tupou Vaa'i

Eben Etzebeth brings 136 Test caps of experience into this match and matches up against New Zealand's captain in the second row.

Etzebeth's physicality and strength will make him a key player at lineout time, where he will assist emerging lineout caller Ruan Nortje in making the set piece as efficient as possible and facilitate maul effectiveness, which will be critical to both teams' game plans.

For the All Blacks, Tupou Vaa'i's athleticism complements Barrett but the pair will have to be wary of Etzebeth's aggression, which will probably be used to target Barrett, who has been known to have some disciplinary issues.

Whichever pair gains the advantage will not only provide a psychological edge for their respective side, but it will also be a path to winning penalties and scoring crucial points.

Flyhalves: Handre Pollard vs Beauden Barrett

Beauden Barrett’s creativity and kicking game will clash with Handre Pollard’s metronomic accuracy and big-game temperament.

Pollard's return to the starting lineup made a noticeable impact two weeks ago when he helped the Springboks bounce back from a surprise defeat to beat Australia in their second game of the 2025 Rugby Championship.

The Springboks will aim to keep the scoreboard ticking with his control and ability to slot penalties from anywhere, while Barrett - alongside his brother Jordie at inside centre - will be looking to evade the Boks' rush defence and create space for their wide men to break the game open.

If the match stays tight and descends into more of a kicking duel, South Africa will have an edge with Pollard at the helm but Barrett is more than capable of holding his own in such a battle.

Prediction

These matchups suggest a brutal, tight contest which will favour the Springboks' forward-centric style, led by the likes of Etzebeth, Siya Kolisi and Marx.

If they can keep things tight and gain the edge in the set pieces and breakdown areas, limiting the All Blacks' backline flair and maintaining their discipline, they could pull off a historic upset.

However, they will have to play exceptionally well and defend like Trojans if they are going to do it against a wounded but determined New Zealand outfit that knows all too well this Test and the one after it are likely to decide who will win the Rugby Championship.