Preview wounded all blacks desperate to hit back against springboks
Preview: Wounded All Blacks Desperate to Hit Back Against Springboks
The All Blacks are reeling from their shock defeat to Ireland last weekend, and they'll be looking to bounce back with a win against the Springboks in their Rugby Championship clash on Saturday.
New Zealand's 23-12 loss to Ireland was their first defeat in 19 Tests, and it marked a significant setback for the team as they prepare for the World Cup next year. The All Blacks have traditionally been one of the dominant forces in world rugby, but they've struggled for consistency in recent years.
The Springboks, on the other hand, are riding high after their impressive 35-6 win over Argentina last weekend. They've been one of the most consistent teams in the Rugby Championship, and they'll be looking to build on their momentum against the All Blacks.
The All Blacks will be without several key players, including captain Kieran Read, who is recovering from a concussion. They'll also be without prop Owen Franks, who has been ruled out with a shoulder injury.
Despite these setbacks, the All Blacks will still have a strong team on the park, and they'll be desperate to hit back against the Springboks. They'll be looking to their experienced players, such as Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga, to lead the way and inspire their teammates.
The Springboks, meanwhile, will be looking to their own experienced players, such as Eben Etzebeth and Handré Pollard, to continue their impressive form. They'll also be looking to their backline, which has been in good form in recent weeks, to cause problems for the All Blacks' defense.
This should be a closely contested match, with both teams having their strengths and weaknesses. The All Blacks will be looking to bounce back from their defeat to Ireland, while the Springboks will be looking to build on their momentum from their win over Argentina.
Match Details:
- Date: Saturday, August 17
- Time: 5:05 AM NZT (8:05 PM AEST)
- Venue: Westpac Stadium, Wellington, New Zealand
- Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
All Blacks Squad:
- Joe Moody
- Codie Taylor
- Nepo Laulala
- Brodie Retallick
- Sam Whitelock
- Liam Squire
- Sam Cane
- Ardie Savea
- Aaron Smith
- Beauden Barrett
- Richie Mo'unga
- Anton Lienert-Brown
- Jack Goodhue
- Rieko Ioane
- Ben Smith
Springboks Squad:
- Steven Kitshoff
- Malcolm Marx
- Eben Etzebeth
- Lood de Jager
- Franco Mostert
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Faf de Klerk
- Duane Vermeulen
- Handré Pollard
- Elton Jantjies
- Makazole Mapimpi
- Damian de Allende
- Lukhanyo Am
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Willie le Roux