All Blacks vs Springboks Today: Lineups, Kick-Off & Match Guide

Live Match Centre: All Blacks vs Springboks (2nd Test)

The rugby world stops today as the ultimate rivalry reignites for the blockbuster second test. With the series hanging in the balance, Scott Robertson’s men step onto the turf looking to answer the brutal physicality of South Africa’s world champions. Here is everything Kiwi rugby fans across Auckland and New Zealand need right now: confirmed kick-off times, official lineups, broadcast details, and key strategic battles.

Match Details & Kick-Off Times (NZT)

Fixture: New Zealand All Blacks vs South Africa Springboks (2nd Test)
Date: Saturday, 29 August 2026
Kick-off Time: 7:05 PM NZST (9:05 AM SAST / 5:05 PM AEST)
Broadcast & Streaming: Live on Sky Sport 1 NZ, Sky Sport Now, and Stan Sport (AU)
Radio Coverage: Newstalk ZB and Gold Sport nationwide

Confirmed Team Lineups

Both coaching camps have made decisive tactical tweaks ahead of tonight’s heavyweight clash.

New Zealand All Blacks Matchday 23

Starting XV: 1. Ethan de Groot, 2. Codie Taylor, 3. Tyrel Lomax, 4. Scott Barrett (c), 5. Tupou Vaa’i, 6. Ethan Blackadder, 7. Ardie Savea, 8. Wallace Sititi, 9. Cam Roigard, 10. Beauden Barrett, 11. Caleb Clarke, 12. Jordie Barrett, 13. Rieko Ioane, 14. Will Jordan, 15. Damian McKenzie.
Reserves: 16. Asafo Aumua, 17. Tamaiti Williams, 18. Fletcher Newell, 19. Patrick Tuipulotu, 20. Samipeni Finau, 21. Cortez Ratima, 22. Anton Lienert-Brown, 23. Mark Tele’a.

South Africa Springboks Matchday 23

Starting XV: 1. Ox Nché, 2. Bongi Mbonambi, 3. Frans Malherbe, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6. Siya Kolisi (c), 7. Ben-Jason Dixon, 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Cobus Reinach, 10. Handré Pollard, 11. Cheslin Kolbe, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Jesse Kriel, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 15. Aphelele Fassi.
Reserves: 16. Malcolm Marx, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Vincent Koch, 19. RG Snyman, 20. Kwagga Smith, 21. Elrigh Louw, 22. Grant Williams, 23. Manie Libbok.

What the All Blacks Must Do to Win Tonight

Following the intense tactical chess match of test one, tonight comes down to three crucial pressure points:

Neutralise the ‘Bomb Squad’ Impact: South Africa’s 6-2 bench split demands that the All Blacks reserve tight five delivers immense scrum stability across the 50-to-80-minute window.
Aeriel Dominance in the Backfield: Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse will challenge the high ball relentlessly. Will Jordan and Damian McKenzie must secure possession cleanly to unleash New Zealand’s counter-attack.
Lightning Ruck Speed: Slowing down breakdown ball is South Africa’s primary defensive trigger. Cam Roigard’s delivery speed and Ardie Savea’s cleaning efficiency will dictate whether the All Blacks can exploit space on the edges.

Top Auckland Spots to Watch the Action

If you are heading out in Tāmaki Makaurau to catch the test with a crowd, top atmosphere hubs include The Fox (Viaduct Harbour), Schapiro’s Sports Bar (Eden Terrace), and The Cav (Ponsonby). Ensure you arrive early to secure a table ahead of the national anthems.