The third Test of the Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour between the Springboks and the All Blacks may be the most significant rugby match on South African soil for 31 years.
In 1995, the Springboks edged the All Blacks in extra time to win the World Cup for the first time. Nelson Mandela handed Francois Pienaar the Webb Ellis Cup, and the moment was later dramatised in a film directed by Clint Eastwood.
Why this match stands out
Since then, the Springboks have won three more World Cups, but all have been on foreign soil. While there have been two British & Irish Lions tours in that period, this third Test of the self-aggrandising Rugby's Greatest Rivalry tour may edge those meetings with the Home Nations.
The significance comes from the opponent: the All Blacks, with their Haka, and the history of Jonah Lomu, the flour bombs in Auckland in 1981, Sean Fitzpatrick thumping the ground after a series win in 1996, and Ardie Savea's face when Sam Cane received a red card in 2023.
What is at stake
This is rugby's greatest rivalry between the two best teams. Although there is officially a money-making fourth Test in Baltimore next week, this feels like the one that really matters. Whoever leaves South Africa with a 2-1 score in their favour will at least claim the moral victory, whatever happens in the United States.
Teams and further updates are to come. Kick-off is at 5:10pm in Soweto, 4:10pm BST.
