Great debate: Will the Springboks beat the All Blacks?

Both the Springboks and All Blacks secured resounding victories in their opening Rugby Championship matches last weekend, and the two arch-rivals will now head into a clash that is likely to determine who walks away with the title in this year’s southern hemisphere tournament.

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All considered, our writers have made their predictions for the clash in Auckland, with TheSouthAfrican sports team divided on how this game might play out.

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OUR SPRINGBOKS-ALL BLACKS PREDICTIONS

Craig Lewis: All Blacks to win by 3 points

I hate to say it, but I believe the bookmakers when they suggest that All Blacks are marginal favourites for this encounter. While there is no doubt that the Springboks have every chance of upsetting the odds, my feeling is that home ground advantage and a more settled home side will just edge their way to victory.

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James Richardson: A draw

A potent Springbok bench will be the difference-maker for Jacques Nienaber and company but this could be a tight low-scoring affair that ultimately neither side will win. The two sides will both refuse to show their full hand in a world cup year and this is going to be a tight and tense affair. The Springboks will settle for a draw playing Argentina at home in the final round of an abbreviated Rugby Championship

Garrin Lambley: Springboks to win by 2 points

Saturday’s Test could well come down to a missed kick or a late drop goal. There’s not much separating the two sides on paper – and form – at present. The Springboks will raise their game for grieving skipper Eben Etzebeth who tragically lost his father earlier this week. The All Blacks are at home, but crucially not at their fortress Eden Park. It promises to be an epic encounter. Don’t miss it!

Dean Boyle: Springboks by 4

Another classic Springboks vs All Blacks showdown awaits. In a game of inches and very fine margins, I expect the bomb squad to be the difference. Expect a massive game-changing shift from Malcolm Marx off the bench.