Severe weather has put Saturday’s blockbuster double-header at FNB Stadium under a cloud, with government urging residents to stay home as thunderstorms, flooding and damaging winds sweep across the country.
The Springbok Women face the Black Ferns at 1:30pm in the first-ever women’s Test between the two nations on South African soil.
The Springboks and All Blacks then meet at 5:10pm in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with the series level at one win apiece.
Soweto Test faces severe weather threat
Forecasters expect the worst of the weather system to move across Johannesburg around kick-off time, raising the risk for the roughly 94,000 fans expected inside the stadium.
KwaZulu-Natal and the Northern Cape could see up to 80mm of rain, while the Free State and Eastern Cape may receive around 60mm.
Disaster management teams, traffic police and emergency services have been placed on high alert for the afternoon.
Kolisi says rain won’t change Springboks’ plan
Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has brushed off suggestions that the conditions will force a change in approach.
Speaking to eNCA ahead of the match, he said the team’s game plan would not change regardless of the weather.
Kolisi added that the Springboks have prepared in the same way since Monday and will not alter their tactics whether it rains or not.
Kolisi reflects on Soweto’s 1976 legacy
For Kolisi, South Africa’s first black captain, Saturday’s Soweto Test carries weight far beyond the scoreline.
He has linked the Test to the legacy of the 1976 Soweto Uprising, when student protests against apartheid education policy became a defining moment in the country’s history.
Kolisi said many of the events that took place in Soweto helped shape the South Africa we have today.
He also credited the people who fought for the freedoms he and his teammates now enjoy.
South African rugby passion takes centre stage
The historic setting is also expected to showcase the enduring passion for South African rugby, with thousands of supporters heading to FNB Stadium despite the threat of difficult weather conditions.
Fans can follow more South African rugby coverage as the series unfolds.
Springboks make four changes for All Blacks Test
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made four changes to his starting XV following the Boks’ win in Cape Town.
Damian Willemse misses the match through injury.
Cheslin Kolbe moves to full-back, while Kurt-Lee Arendse fills the wing. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw also return to the front row.
Dave Rennie’s All Blacks have also freshened their pack.
Tupou Vaa’i will earn his 50th Test cap at lock, while Asafo Aumua starts at hooker.
Springboks vs All Blacks series on the line
A win for New Zealand would put the All Blacks 2-1 up in the series ahead of the decider in Baltimore next Saturday, September 12.
Both matches will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The women’s Test will also air free-to-air on SABC Sport, while the men’s match will follow on a delayed SABC broadcast at 7pm.
Whatever the skies do over Soweto on Saturday, Kolisi’s message has remained consistent: the Springboks intend to treat the historic setting, not the weather, as the defining factor in their performance.
