The Rugby Championship 2025 rolls into Wellington this weekend with the All Blacks and Springboks squaring off in a fixture that could tilt the title race.
New Zealand have the upper hand after a hard-fought 24–17 win at Eden Park, but South Africa’s response at Sky Stadium will reveal plenty about their depth and resilience. With Australia also in the mix, every point counts — and this test could decide how the table looks heading into the decisive rounds.
Erasmus Rings the Changes
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has wasted no time in reshuffling his pack, making seven changes to the starting side — including five in the backs.
Cobus Reinach partners Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback.
Canan Moodie and Damian Willemse link up in midfield.
Siya Kolisi leads from the back row.
Erasmus admitted the loss in Auckland stung but sees this as an opportunity:
“Not many players get to play New Zealand away. This is about giving guys that experience. It’s the only way to grow.”
Robertson Hands Carter His Chance
Across the halfway line, Scott Robertson has opted for fresh legs of his own, with Leroy Carter making his test debut on the wing.
Carter’s pace and footwork have been on show in the All Blacks Sevens jersey for years, but this marks a huge leap for the 25-year-old. His journey from electrician to Olympian to All Black has been anything but ordinary.
“Sevens gave me the platform — a contract, a chance to focus fully on rugby,” Carter said. “Now it’s about stepping up at test level.”
Bench Strength Could Decide It
If last weekend proved anything, it’s that the bench matters. South Africa’s finishers sparked life into a match that looked gone at 17–3 down. Robertson, aware of that impact, has opted for muscle and versatility among his replacements:
Props Fletcher Newell and Tamaiti Williams provide serious scrum power.
Ruben Love offers creativity and cover across the backline.
Erasmus, meanwhile, has loaded his bench with players hungry to make a statement after being left out of the starting XV.
History Hangs Over Sky Stadium
The All Blacks’ aura at Eden Park doesn’t quite stretch down to the capital. Wellington has been friendlier to the Springboks, who won there memorably in 2018 and again in 2021.
Robertson knows it:
“The Boks have beaten us twice in Wellington. With back-to-back tests, the key is to improve from week to week. That’s been our focus.”
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
Beyond the rivalry, Saturday’s clash carries real weight for the Rugby Championship 2025 standings.
New Zealand want to keep control of the title race and blood new talent before the Bledisloe Cup.
South Africa need a win to stay in touch and prove their next generation can handle the cauldron of Kiwi rugby.
One thing is certain: when the All Blacks and Springboks collide, it’s never just another test.
Lineups:
New Zealand: Damian McKenzie, Will Jordan, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett, Leroy Carter, Beauden Barrett, Noah Hotham; Wallace Sititi, Ardie Savea, Simon Parker, Tupou Vaa’i, Scott Barrett (captain), Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Ruben Love.
South Africa: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (captain), Ruan Nortje, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Reserves: Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, R.G. Snyman, Kwagga Smith; Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen.
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