All Blacks Aim to Reclaim Freedom Cup Against South Africa in Wellington
The All Blacks are set to face South Africa at Wellington’s Sky Stadium, seeking to regain the Freedom Cup. This highly anticipated second test follows a close encounter at Eden Park and marks South Africa's first visit to Wellington since 2019.
A Decade Since the Last Wellington Victory
It has been over 10 years since the All Blacks last secured a win against the Springboks in the capital. South Africa claimed a late draw in 2019 and secured a victory at the "Cake Tin" (Sky Stadium) in 2018. Memories of past encounters, including a dramatic draw in 2019, add extra spice to this clash.
Historical Context: All Blacks vs. South Africa
The rivalry between the All Blacks and South Africa spans numerous matches, with a rich history filled with memorable moments. Here’s a statistical overview of their encounters:
| Statistic | All Blacks | South Africa | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| Played | 109 | 4 | |
| Wins | 63 | 42 | |
| Points Scored | 2259 | 1806 | |
Springboks' Record in Wellington
A detailed breakdown of past matches held in Wellington shows the ebb and flow of this fierce rivalry, highlighting significant games and their outcomes:
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 1921 | All Blacks 0 Springboks 0 |
| 1937 | All Blacks 13 Springboks 7 |
| 1956 | Springboks 8 All Blacks 3 |
| 1965 | All Blacks 6 Springboks 3 |
| 1981 | Springboks 24 All Blacks 12 |
| 1994 | All Blacks 13 Springboks 9 |
| 1998 | Springboks 13 All Blacks 3 |
| 2002 | All Blacks 41 Springboks 20 |
| 2006 | All Blacks 35 Springboks 17 |
| 2008 | All Blacks 19 Springboks 8 |
| 2010 | All Blacks 31 Springboks 17 |
| 2011 | All Blacks 40 Springboks 7 |
| 2014 | All Blacks 14 Springboks 10 |
| 2018 | Springboks 36 All Blacks 34 |
| 2019 | All Blacks 16 Springboks 16 |
Team Lineups: All Blacks and South Africa
Here are the confirmed lineups for both teams as they prepare to battle for the Freedom Cup at Sky Stadium:
All Blacks
1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Simon Parker, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Noah Hotham, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Leroy Carter, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Billy Proctor, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie
Reserves: 16. Brodie McAlister, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Fabian Holland, 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi, 21. Finlay Christie, 22. Quinn Tupaea, 23. Ruben Love.
South Africa
1. Ox Nche, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Thomas du Toit, 4. Lood de Jager, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Cobus Reinach, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11. Ethan Hooker, 12. Damian Willemse, 13. Canan Moodie, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 15. Aphelele Fassi.
Reserves: 16. Marnus van der Merwe, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Wilco Louw, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Kwagga Smith, 21. Grant Williams, 22. Manie Libbok, 23. Andre Esterhuizen.
Recent Form
Examining the recent form of both teams provides insights into their current performance levels heading into this crucial match:
- All Blacks: W, L, W, W, W
- South Africa: W, W, L, W, W
Last Time in Wellington: A Dramatic Draw
The last encounter in Wellington in 2019 ended in a 16-16 draw, showcasing the intense rivalry and competitiveness between these two rugby powerhouses. Herschel Jantjies's late try secured the draw for the Springboks, leaving the All Blacks frustrated and concerned about injuries ahead of the World Cup.
Match Officials
Georgian Nika Amashukeli will referee the test at Sky Stadium, marking his first time officiating this fixture. Angus Gardner and Jordan Way are the assistant referees, while Eric Gauzins is the TMO.
Top Try-Scorers
A list of top try-scorers in All Blacks vs. South Africa matches highlights the key attacking players throughout history:
- 10 – Christian Cullen
- 9 – Joe Rokocoko
- 8 – Bryan Habana
- 6 – Richie McCaw
- 6 – Joost Van der Westhuizen
- 6 – Israel Dagg
All Blacks' All-Time Try-Scorers
Looking at the All Blacks' all-time try-scorers provides context to the team's attacking prowess:
- 49 – Doug Howlett
- 46 – Christian Cullen
- 46 – Joe Rokocoko
- 46 – Julian Savea
- 45 – Beauden Barrett
- 44 – Jeff Wilson
- 43 – Will Jordan
All Blacks' Last 10 Tests in Wellington
A recap of the All Blacks' last 10 test matches in Wellington shows a mix of results, highlighting the challenges of playing at home:
| Year | Result |
|---|---|
| 2016 | All Blacks 29 Australia 9 |
| 2017 | All Blacks 21 British and Irish Lions 24 |
| 2018 | All Blacks 26 France 13 |
| 2018 | All Blacks 34 South Africa 36 |
| 2019 | All Blacks 16 South Africa 16 |
| 2020 | All Blacks 16 Australia 16 |
| 2022 | All Blacks 22 Ireland 32 |
| 2024 | All Blacks 30 Argentina 38 |
| 2024 | All Blacks 33 Australia 13 |
| 2025 | All Blacks 43 France 17 |
TAB Odds
The latest TAB odds for the match are:
- All Blacks: $1.55
- Draw: $18
- South Africa: $2.40
All Blacks Rugby Championship Schedule
The All Blacks' Rugby Championship schedule is as follows:
- August 16: Argentina 24 All Blacks 41
- August 23: Argentina 29 All Blacks 23
- September 6: All Blacks 24 South Africa 17
- September 13: All Blacks vs South Africa, Sky Stadium, Wellington
- September 27: All Blacks vs Australia, Eden Park, Auckland
- October 4: Australia vs All Blacks, Perth
How to Follow the Action
Fans can follow the action live on Newstalk ZB, Gold Sport, and iHeartRadio, with commentary from Elliott Smith and the Alternative Commentary Collective. The game will also be broadcast on Sky Sport 1 and livestreaming on Sky Sport Now.
All Blacks Team Named to Play South Africa
The All Blacks selectors have announced their team to face South Africa at Wellington’s Sky Stadium. Leroy Carter is set to make his debut on the left wing.
All Blacks match-day 23: (Test caps in brackets; * denotes debutant)
1. Ethan de Groot (35), 2. Samisoni Taukei’aho (36), 3. Tyrel Lomax (46), 4. Scott Barrett (84) (Captain), 5. Tupou Vaa’i (43), 6. Simon Parker (2), 7. Ardie Savea (100) (Vice-Captain), 8. Wallace Sititi (12), 9. Noah Hotham (2), 10. Beauden Barrett (139), 11. Leroy Carter *, 12. Jordie Barrett (74) (Vice-Captain), 13. Billy Proctor (7), 14. Will Jordan (47), 15. Damian McKenzie (67)
16. Brodie McAlister (1), 17. Tamaiti Williams (20), 18. Fletcher Newell (28), 19. Fabian Holland (6), 20. Du’Plessis Kirifi (5), 21. Finlay Christie (26), 22. Quinn Tupaea (18), 23. Ruben Love (2)
Unavailable: Emoni Narawa, Codie Taylor, Patrick Tuipulotu, Cortez Ratima, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Cam Roigard.
New Zealand vs South Africa - Springboks' Rugby Championship Hopes on the Line
The All Blacks aim to solidify their top spot in the Rugby Championship as they host South Africa in Wellington. The Springboks, having lost their first game against Australia, face a must-win situation to keep their title defence alive. A win would also secure the Freedom Cup for South Africa.
Team News: Key Changes
Rassie Erasmus has made significant changes to the Springboks' backline, with Cobus Reinach starting at scrumhalf and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at flyhalf. Scott Robertson has named Leroy Carter for his All Blacks debut.
All Blacks team: 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, Tyrel Lomax, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Ethan de Groot
Replacements: Brodie McAlister, Tamaiti Williams, Fletcher Newell, Fabian Holland, Du'Plessis Kirifi, Finlay Christie, Quinn Tupaea, Ruben Love
Springboks team: Aphelele Fassi, Cheslin Kolbe, Canan Moodie, Damian Willemse, Ethan Hooker, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Ruan Nortje, Lood de Jager, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche
Replacements: Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen
Stats & Facts
- Rassie Erasmus has a mixed record at Wellington's Sky Stadium (one win, one draw).
- Siya Kolisi is approaching his 100th Test match.
