South Africa vs New Zealand Tips - South Africa to pass New Zealand test at Ellis Park

New Zealand hammered Argentina 42-10 in their last match as they bounced back from defeat to the same opponent in the first Test. 

South Africa have won four of their last 10 against the All Blacks, with New Zealand winning five times and one match ending as a draw back in 2019. 

South Africa have looked very strong at the start of the 2024 Rugby Championship, picking up two wins from two potentially tricky matches against Australia. While the Aussies have hardly been perfect in recent years, they had hit some form under Joe Schmidt, and they arrived for the competition looking to ruffle some feathers. 

Despite being the overwhelming favourites, the Springboks refused to let the tag of favourites hinder them. Indeed, they took their hosts to the cleaners in game one, winning 33-7 before securing a 30-12 win in the second Test. Away wins in the Rugby Championship are not easy to come by, and yet the Springboks made it two wins in as many outings. 

Now, they face their toughest test of the season. New Zealand are in town and looking to spoil the party, which is why South Africa have made nine changes to the side that beat Australia. With their big guns restored to the start XV, this could be a superb game in which two of the best sides in the game hammer into each-other for 80 minutes. 

While New Zealand are always very strong, the benefit of playing at home will likely count for something as the Springboks make it three wins in a row as they use their incredible scrum to suffocate their opponents before releasing their speedsters on the wings. 

While New Zealand did bounce back from a loss to Argentina by beating the same opponents 42-10 last time out, the cracks in the side were clear for all to see the week before as they lost 38-30 on their own turf. 

Their set-piece was creaking under pressure, while Argentine found gaps in New Zealand's defence at will. The Pumas have improved offensively in recent years, but they are not a patch on South Africa. If New Zealand cannot plug these gaps this week, South Africa will exploit them.

Despite winning their last outing, I am backing New Zealand to suffer a second defeat in three matches as their hopes of defending their Rugby Championship crown take a major dent.