Six players that could decide All Blacks v Springboks blockbuster

It's the world's number one side with the best record in the history of the game against the four-time world champions hellbent on breaking a 50-match unbeaten streak at Eden Park. Accolades and history aside, there is little to separate the two teams on paper. 

Here, we take a look at six players whose individual performance may very well decide the outcome of the titanic clash. 

Handre Pollard

Given Pollard's credentials, there's arguably no one else better to snap the All Blacks' 50-match unbeaten run.
The two-time World Cup winner has proven time and time again that he is - without doubt - the man for the big occasion. This may sound like exaggerated praise, but the way the flyhalf responds to pressure is unrivalled. 
 
Pollard was the key man in the Boks' revenge over the Wallabies in Round 2 of the Rugby Championship. He marshalled the back line with aplomb, kicked accurately out of hand and off the tee to steer the Boks to a much-needed victory.

In a match likely to come down to fine margins, Pollard is the Boks' ace. He is ten from ten off the tee in 2025 and critics who bet against him continuing that trend would do so at their own peril. 

Ardie Savea 

The loose forward who was once told he was too small has become one of the proudest servants of New Zealand rugby. Savea will trot onto hallowed turf for his 100th international cap for an occasion befitting this achievement. As such, he will be highly motivated to do the black jersey justice with a strong performance. 

The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year has a habit of playing his best rugby against the Springboks and Savea will be eager to continue this trend. His tackle-fight, tenacity and off-loading ability are some of the best aspects of Savea's skill. The Bok defenders around the ruck will have to keep a close eye on the inspired centurion.

Cheslin Kolbe

The wing with the magic feet. Kolbe is a dangerous runner no matter the odds. The diminutive winger can step you in a phone booth or bounce out of a tackle (just ask Scott Barrett) while you clutch at the air. The All Blacks will have to shepherd the speedster up against the best defender in world rugby: the touchline. 

But it's not just Kolbe's game-changing runs that could turn the Test. Having been successful with their contestable kicks against the Wallabies in Cape Town, the Boks are expected to test the All Blacks' aerial game this weekend. Kolbe has been brilliant in the air and whether it's picking up scraps or clean takes, he'll be gone in a flash. 

Kyle Preston

Kyle who? You'd be forgiven for not knowing. A spate of injuries in the specialist position has forced the All Blacks to name their fourth-choice scrumhalf on the bench. The 25-capped Finaly Christie is starting but unlikely to go the distance at Eden Park, especially given the rapid Bok No.9s in Grant Williams and Cobus Reinach.

Preston has enjoyed a meteoric rise up the ranks. He made his NPC debut for Wellington in 2023 and was their top try scorer in 2024, then made Super Rugby debut for the Crusaders earlier this year, scoring a hat-trick on debut. However, in the cauldron of Eden Park against the current world champions, will Preston's short resume hold up to the immense pressure?

Pieter-Steph du Toit

The rangy runner just loves playing the All Blacks. Who could forget his tears when the Boks earned their watershed win in Wellington in 2018. The result was somewhat of a turning point in the storied rivalry, as well as du Toit's career. The following year, he would be named World Rugby Player of the Year. Fast forward to the 2023 Rugby World Cup Final and du Toit put in no less than 28 tackles in a monumental performance for his country.

The man has one of the biggest engines in rugby and we'll see it put to good use in what is sure to be an attritional battle at Eden Park. Also, be sure to watch out for du Toit lurking in the tramlines, contesting for high balls and showing his pace.

Will Jordan

The elusive runner just can't stop scoring tries. Jordan has collected a scarcely believable 42 tries in just 47 appearances for the All Blacks. He will run out at fullback on Saturday and has the unenviable task of defusing the Boks' incoming midfield bombs.

Aerial skills aside, Jordan has a knack for popping up in the right place at the right time. If play gets a little loose on Saturday, Jordan will be on hand to pounce. You just can't count the flyer out of breaking Springbok hearts on Saturday.