Springboks v All Blacks: The key matchups set to decide Sky Stadium clash

Following the All Blacks' narrow 24-17 victory in the first Test at Eden Park, where New Zealand extended their unbeaten streak at the venue to 51 matches, the Springboks have rung the changes to their backline for a fresh approach.

In their two defeats so far in the competition, South Africa raced to a 22-0 lead against Australia before succumbing to a Wallabies comeback in their opening game and then struggled to come back after a poor start to their game against New Zealand and this lineup is an attempt to find a balance between those two extremes.

Prop duel: Ox Nche vs Tyrel Lomax

The scrum was a flashpoint in the first Test between the Springboks and the All Blacks, where South Africa's pack, led by Nche, overpowered New Zealand's front row.

At one point in the match, they won a crucial tighthead penalty that set up Malcolm Marx's try and they will be pushing for more in the second Test.

Nche is one of the world's premier loosehead props and thrives in high-pressure engagements. He will target Lomax's anchoring if the All Blacks' scrum wobbles again.

Lomax is a strong scrummager in his own right and was brought on as a second-half substitute in the first Test to try to shore up the All Blacks scrum and they will be hoping he can stabilise and protect their set-piece platform from the opening whistle in Wellington.

Lineout time: Malcolm Marx vs Samisoni Taukei'aho

Marx was instrumental in the Springboks' attempted comeback in the Eden Park Test, scoring from a maul and disrupting the All Blacks' throw-in on occasion.

South Africa stole multiple lineouts in the wet conditions, exposing Taukei'aho's accuracy issues but also had problems holding on to their own throws in what turned out to be a messy set piece for both sides.

Taukei'aho is a dynamic ball carrier but will be determined to improve his throwing to feed New Zealand's potent back row and while Marx will also want to be better in this area to facilitate the Boks' mauling weapon.

Halfback tempo: Cobus Reinach vs Noah Hotham

Reinach made a huge impact as a substitute in the Springboks' narrow defeat in the first Test, leading a comeback that fell just short, exploiting gaps with his speed and even sniping a late try. His performance earned him a starting role for the rematch but there are some concerns about the precision of his box kicking ability.

Hotham, on the other hand, is a young and talented No. 9 who looks to have a big future with the All Blacks but will need to quicken his service at the breakdown to relieve pressure on his backline against the Springboks' rush defence, as they cannot expect their opponents to miss as many tackles as they did at Eden Park.

The scrumhalf who does the best job at dictating the tempo for their side will play a huge role in deciding this match, as both teams have exciting, dynamic backlines that will be looking to exploit any weaknesses.

Game management: Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu vs Beauden Barrett

The inexperienced but supremely talented Feinberg-Mngomezulu replaces Handre Pollard at No. 10 for the Springboks and will be tasked with territorial kicking and distribution in a revamped backline.

His skillset is not in question as he has shown time and again that he is one of the most dynamic and exciting players in the Springbok setup but he has displayed a lack of composure at times that the All Blacks may look to exploit.

Barrett, on the other hand, is a veteran playmaker who has been there and done it all, and will be a huge asset to the All Blacks.

He controlled the first test with a smart kicking game, including winning a 50/22, but the Boks put a lot of pressure on his high kicks and he may need to find another plan if they can get dominance in this area again.

This duel will test the rookie's calm under pressure against Barrett's nous in windy Wellington conditions.

Prediction

The All Blacks showed just how difficult they are to beat at home in the Eden Park Test, even among what they would consider a poor run of form leading up to the game.

The Springboks showed a lot of grit to keep fighting to the end of that game and things could have been very different if they had not made so many errors in the opening quarter.

New Zealand have the mental edge after winning game one but if South Africa can keep things tight and grab an early lead rather than having to chase the game, they are in with a decent shout of winning the game and breaking the Rugby Championship title race wide open.