South Africa vs New Zealand: Where to watch, TV channel, kick-off time and team news
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First blood.
The waiting is finally over as South Africa and New Zealand collide in the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series this weekend.
Ellis Park provides the stage on Saturday as the Springboks welcome the All Blacks to Johannesburg for the first of four Tests between the two great rivals.
It is the first full-scale All Blacks tour of South Africa in 30 years, with New Zealand heading into the Test portion of the tour following victories over the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.
Here is everything you need to know about Saturday’s huge encounter…
When is South Africa vs New Zealand?
South Africa face New Zealand on Saturday, August 22 at Ellis Park in Johannesburg.
Kick-off is scheduled for 4.10pm Irish/UK time, which is 5.10pm in South Africa and 3.10am on Sunday morning in New Zealand.
Where can I watch South Africa vs New Zealand?
The match will be shown live on Sky Sports Action in Ireland and the UK, with coverage on Sky Sports Action getting underway from 3.55pm ahead of the 4.10pm kick-off.
Sky subscribers can also stream the game, while viewers without a Sky subscription can access Sky Sports through NOW.
In South Africa, the eagerly-awaited opening Test will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Fans in New Zealand can watch the match live on Sky Sport, with the early-morning kick-off coming at 3.10am on Sunday.
Ireland & UK: Sky Sports Action
South Africa: SuperSport
New Zealand: Sky Sport
Team news
South Africa will be without captain Siya Kolisi, with Rassie Erasmus opting not to risk the flanker as he continues his return from a hamstring injury.
Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks in his absence, while Paul de Villiers starts at openside flanker.
Damian de Allende will make his 100th Test appearance for South Africa, becoming just the 10th Springbok to reach the landmark, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts at fly-half.
The All Blacks have received several significant boosts, with Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard and Will Jordan all making their first appearances of the tour.
Savea captains the side from No.8, while Damian McKenzie has recovered from his ankle injury to start at full-back. Ruben Love starts at fly-half, with Jordie Barrett and Quinn Tupaea paired together in midfield.
South Africa
1. Ox Nche
2. Malcolm Marx
3. Wilco Louw
4. Eben Etzebeth
5. Ruan Nortje
6. Paul de Villiers
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (c)
8. Jasper Wiese
9. Grant Williams
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
11. Kurt-Lee Arendse
12. Damian de Allende
13. Jesse Kriel
14. Cheslin Kolbe
15. Damian Willemse
Replacements:
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
17. Gerhard Steenekamp
18. Zachary Porthen
19. Cobus Wiese
20. Andre Esterhuizen
21. Marco van Staden
22. Cobus Reinach
23. Manie Libbok
New Zealand
1. Ethan de Groot
2. Codie Taylor
3. Tyrel Lomax
4. Josh Lord
5. Fabian Holland
6. Tupou Vaa’i
7. Luke Jacobson
8. Ardie Savea (c)
9. Cam Roigard
10. Ruben Love
11. Josh Moorby
12. Jordie Barrett
13. Quinn Tupaea
14. Will Jordan
15. Damian McKenzie
Replacements:
16. Asafo Aumua
17. George Bower
18. Fletcher Newell
19. Anton Segner
20. Peter Lakai
21. Kyle Preston
22. Anton Lienert-Brown
23. Leroy Carter
South Africa vs New Zealand
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Date: Saturday, August 22
Kick-off: 4.10pm Irish/UK | 5.10pm South Africa | 3.10am Sunday New Zealand
Ireland & UK TV: Sky Sports Action / Sky Sports+
South Africa TV: SuperSport
New Zealand TV: Sky Sport
