New Zealand play their final midweek tour fixture in South Africa with confidence high after a statement first Test success over the Springboks in Johannesburg.
The All Blacks return to Ellis Park to take on the Lions a few days on from an excellent 33-16 win at the venue that allowed them to go 1-0 up in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry’s series. With three more tough battles with the world champions to come, this game will be a chance for some of those on the fringes to retain their sharpness and push for places, with Dave Rennie likely to need plenty of strength in depth as the back-to-back encounters continue.
Cape Town and the second Test await but the Lions could prove tricky opposition. The United Rugby Championship side are bolstered by a couple of members of the South Africa squad that have been released to feature here, and will hope to provide a stern test for the tourists.
Follow all of the latest from the clash at Ellis Park with our live blog below:
Dave Rennie delighted with strong start to series
New Zealand’s first-Test victory against South Africa on Saturday hands them a massive advantage in the four-match series, with their hard-fought 33-16 victory at Ellis Park a statement win, said coach Dave Rennie.
The All Blacks outscored South Africa five tries to one and saw off a powerful physical challenge, emerging the slicker of the two teams as they upset the odds. “Oh, look, it’s massive,” said Rennie.
“We’ve got a leg up, although, obviously, it doesn’t guarantee anything, and we know they are such a good side. Next week’s going to be just as tough.
“You know, I’m really pleased for the players. We’ve got a fantastic group of staff who work really hard, and it’s a special night. It’s tough to win at Ellis Park against a high quality side, but we’re still in our infancy. We’re still getting a heap around exactly how we want to play and grow and we’ve got some good young men coming through.”
New Zealand stun South Africa to make statement start to Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series
It was some start to the series for the All Blacks as they stunned the Springboks in Johannesburg on Saturday. A battling defensive performance and second-half surge unsettled South Africa in a way we rarely see.
Lions vs New Zealand LIVE
With confidence high after a statement success over the Springboks, New Zealand face one last midweek fixture on their Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour as they return to Ellis Park. The Lions are the All Blacks’ opposition tonight – can they spring a shock to end the unbeaten trip?
Kick off is at 6pm BST.
