Springboks v All Blacks: Predicted line-up as big guns return for the world champions

The experienced full-back is safe at the back and usually slots in as a second playmaker, which will come in handy against the All Blacks.

14 Cheslin Kolbe

The hot stepping flyer was in action in both the encounters against the Wallabies in Australia and should retain his spot for the highly anticipated clash as he seldom lets the world champions down.

Renowned as one of the best attacking players in the game, Kolbe is expected to provide the All Blacks’ defence with plenty of headaches and if he finds himself in space, he could wreak havoc.

13 Jesse Kriel

One of the Springboks’ most improved players, like Kolbe the 30-year-old started in South Africa’s previous Rugby Championship matches and we expect him to wear the number 13 jersey once again in Johannesburg.

Kriel showed some deft touches with ball in hand against the Wallabies but apart from his brilliant attacking abilities, he is also solid on defence which will be crucial against the All Blacks.

12 Damian de Allende

Lukhanyo Am impressed in the number 12 jersey in Perth while Andre Esterhuizen is available again after serving his suspension, but we believe first choice inside centre De Allende will be back against New Zealand.

His ball carrying ability is vital to give the Boks momentum while he’s also handy on defence and at the breakdowns.

11 Kurt-Lee Arendse

The Springboks’ other diminutive wing was rested against the Wallabies in Perth last weekend after delivering another fantastic attacking performance in Brisbane which saw him being rewarded with a brace of tries.

Blessed with brilliant footwork and plenty of pace, Arendse has already scored 17 tries in 19 Tests and should replace Makazole Mapimpi in the number 11 jersey.

10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

The 22-year-old playmaker has taken to Test rugby like a duck to water and should retain his spot in the Boks’ run-on side, edging out the more experienced Handre Pollard.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been involved in all six of South Africa’s internationals this year and although he was less influential in Perth, he delivered a fine showing against Australia in Brisbane. Bok fans will be hoping for a similar display in Johannesburg.

9 Cobus Reinach

With Feinberg-Mngomezulu starting, it makes sense for Erasmus to select a senior player like Reinach on his inside as he should provide a calming influence to his inexperienced fly-half

Reinach and Feinberg-Mngomezulu are both superb with ball in hand which means there could be plenty of fireworks on attack against the All Blacks.

8 Jasper Wiese

Although Elrigh Louw did not let his team down in the two previous matches, we believe Erasmus will opt for Wiese, who has missed all of South Africa’s previous Tests this year due to suspension.

Outstanding on either side of the ball, the 28-year-old will be determined to hit the ground running in Johannesburg and we expect him to do just that, particularly as a ball carrier.

7 Pieter-Steph du Toit

A tireless workhorse who gives nothing less than one hundred per cent at all times, Du Toit is a vital cog in the Springbok set up and will be one of the first names on Erasmus’ teamsheet.

He returned to the side of the scrum in Perth after starting in the second-row in Brisbane but regardless of the number on his back, Du Toit usually empties the tank and should do just that against the All Blacks as well.

6 Siya Kolisi

There has been plenty of speculation over where the Springbok skipper will be playing his club rugby in the future. Despite that uncertainty Kolisi is still delivering the goods at Test level.

Marco van Staden was one of the Boks’ best players in Perth last weekend but Kolisi’s brilliant all-round game and excellent leadership makes it a no-brainer for Erasmus to recall him to the run-on side.

5 RG Snyman

The Leinster-bound lock is yet to feature in the Rugby Championship after being a late withdrawal ahead of the Boks’ first match with the Wallabies due to a knee injury.

However, he should be fit to take on the All Blacks and will be a valuable source of possession in the lineouts while his excellent offloading game should also come in handy in contact.

4 Eben Etzebeth

After impressing in the tournament opener, the behemoth second-row started the Boks’ second match amongst the replacements but took to the field early in the second half after Salmaan Moerat was forced off due to concussion.

Despite that, Etzebeth slotted in seamlessly as he put in a superb all-round performance and a similar display will be expected from him next Saturday.

3 Frans Malherbe

The veteran Springbok was in action in Brisbane and delivered a dominant scrummaging performance which resulted in his direct opponent, Isaac Kailea, being yanked off at half-time.

The scrum is a vital part of the Boks’ armoury and Malherbe is one of the world’s best scrummagers who will be crucial to the cause against New Zealand.

2 Bongi Mbonambi

Another experienced campaigner who is expected to return the run-on side after last seeing action in Brisbane. The 33-year-old was only on the playing field for 28 minutes on that occasion before being replaced by Malcom Marx in a tactical switch.

That means Mbonambi will be keen to impress in Johannesburg and who better to do that against than the old enemy New Zealand.

1 Ox Nche

One of the Boks’ star performers of last year’s triumphant Rugby World Cup campaign, Nche’s services were also not required in Perth last weekend, with rookie front-row Jan-Hendrik Wessels filling in admirably, but we expect the burly Bok to return to action next weekend

Another outstanding scrummager, Nche’s battle with Tyrel Lomax – if he starts for the All Blacks – should be one of the highlights of the clash in Johannesburg.