South Africa’s pride to be tested on rugby and cricket’s biggest stages

South African supporters will have plenty to follow this weekend as three of the country’s national teams take centre stage – the Springboks against New Zealand in the Rugby Championship at the intimidating Eden Park venue, the Springbok Women at the Rugby World Cup, and the Proteas at Lord’s on Thursday in the second, and the Ageas Bowl, in Southampton in the third, and final ODI against England.

Eden Park epic on the cards

On Saturday, all eyes turn to Auckland where the Springboks face the All Blacks at Eden Park in their third Rugby Championship clash. The world champions are chasing a fifth straight win over New Zealand and aiming to end a drought at the ground stretching back to 1937. The Freedom Cup and the Championship standings are both at stake. It’s going to be a cracker, as neither team can afford a wobble.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has made four changes but kept faith in his established combinations. Jesse Kriel captains for the third time, Eben Etzebeth plays his 136th Test, and Siya Kolisi returns at No.8 for his 95th. Willie le Roux reaches 101 caps, while Cheslin Kolbe and Marco van Staden play at Eden Park for the first time. 

Erasmus described Saturday’s match as an “epic encounter” and a “proper grind,” noting that Ardie Savea’s 100th Test will add extra motivation for the All Blacks. Victory would not only strengthen South Africa’s title hopes but also break Eden Park’s formidable record — the All Blacks have not lost there to any team since 1994.

Bok Women’s rehearsal

The Springbok Women meet France in a Pool D decider on Sunday in Northampton. Having already booked their place in the quarter-finals, the match will now be about testing themselves against one of the game’s strongest sides. Assistant coach Laurian Johannes-Haupt called it a “nice dress rehearsal.”

France, ranked fourth in the world and runners-up in the recent Six Nations, will provide a stern measure of South Africa’s progress. With selection tweaks expected, the Bok Women will stick to their physical, direct style that has worked in recent matches. 

The winner of Saturday’s clash is set to face the second-placed team from Pool C — either New Zealand or Ireland — in the quarter-finals.

Proteas out to wrap up series

Cricket also takes the spotlight on Thursday when the Proteas try to clinch their ODI series against England at Lord’s. South Africa lead 1-0 after bowling England out for 131 and cruising to a seven-wicket win in Leeds. Aiden Markram smashed 86 off 55 balls, while Dewald Brevis sealed the win with a six.

The Proteas will be without Tony de Zorzi, sidelined with a hamstring injury, with Matthew Breetzke likely to step in. Kagiso Rabada is also pushing for a recall. England, meanwhile, look to captain Harry Brook for inspiration after their batting collapse.

South Africa have won five of their last six ODIs against England, including a series win in Australia last month. Another win at Lord’s would hand them the series and confirm their strong recent form in the 50-over game.