Key player battles to watch at Eden Park

THERE will be some bone-crunching mini-battles today when the Springboks take on the All Blacks in a historic clash at Eden Park in Auckland.

- LEIGHTON KOOPMAN

While victory will require a full team effort, key players on both sides will play pivotal roles as the Boks chase their first win in 88 years at the iconic stadium. New Zealand will rely on some of their stars to preserve the unbeaten record there, which stretches back to 1994.

We take a look at the key matchups in this highly anticipated duel.

Pieter-Steph du Toit vs Ardie Savea

Arguably, the two players with the biggest engines on the field, both will aim to deliver an 80-minute performance to help their side over the line. Du Toit will be looking to drive his shoulders into any black jersey that runs his way just as he did during the 2023 World Cup final. Expect no different at Eden Park.