SA's pride to be tested on sport'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 the Ageas Bowl, in Southampton in the third, and final ODI against England.

- LANCE FREDERICKS

EDEN PARK EPIC ON THE CARDS

Tomorrow, 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.

Coach Rassie Erasmus has made four changes but kept faith in his established combinations. Jesse Kriel captains again, 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.