South Africa vs New Zealand Tips - South Africa to do the double over New Zealand in The Rugby Championship

New Zealand were moments away from a statement win over South Africa in the latter's backyard, but their defence could not hold out against the relentless pressure from their hosts. 

South Africa have won five of their last 10 against their opponents including the last three meetings. Meanwhile, New Zealand have won four matches with one game ending as a draw. 

South Africa were excellent in their last clash with New Zealand as they displayed all of the hallmarks that made them world champions last year. 

New Zealand put the home side under huge pressure for large parts of the game, but the Springboks managed to stay in the match as they kept the travelling side within reach on the scoreboard. They were able to use their driving maul to their advantage, while their big forwards made ground from the base of the ruck time and time again. 

South Africa will not want to have to leave it so late this time. with two tries in the latter-stages seeing them to victory. This week, the focus will be on trying to stunt the All Blacks when they have the ball, making it easier to build on their own ball. 

Despite injuries taking their toll on the squad and meaning Siya Kolisi will likely miss out, I am backing South Africa to make it four wins on the bounce against New Zealand in another nail-biter. 

It was a case of so close and yet so far for New Zealand last weekend as they eventually succumbed to the huge pressure South Africa put their line under. 

Despite pushing the world champions all the way, their four-point defeat will feel like a bitter blow, with the All Blacks good value for the win. Ultimately discipline let them down late on as they were reduced to 14-men in the 68th minute, with South Africa scoring two converted tries in this time. 

While I do predict that New Zealand will give their hosts a proper examination, I am backing them to slip to their second defeat against South Africa as they lose for the third time in four Rugby Championship games.