Springboks v All Blacks: The players that could define first Test

After a week of speculation over rugby's laws and the game's speed, South Africa and New Zealand will face off in the first Test of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series in Johannesburg. Both head coaches, Rassie Erasmus and Dave Rennie, have been firm in their press conferences, seeking to apply pressure on the officials ahead of the four consecutive Tests between the two powerhouses.

There were several intriguing decisions in the selections made by both sides, with South Africa omitting captain Siya Kolisi, though he trained and could have been picked.

Paul de Villiers, South Africa's openside flanker, has been rewarded for his strong performance in the Nations Championship. De Villiers, known for his robust build, will aim to disrupt the All Blacks' ball handling, particularly as New Zealand seeks to play with pace. The Springboks' pack features proficient forward Malcolm Marx and Jasper Wiese, and how referee Matthew Carley handles their attempts to stall New Zealand's possession will be crucial, especially considering the All Blacks' willingness to play multiphase rugby.

New Zealand's back row features Ardie Savea returning to No 8, and Tupou Vaa’i on the blindside. Vaa’i's selection is no surprise after the captain was rested for the tour matches, and his return will bolster New Zealand's back row. Vaa’i provides an extra long-limbed lineout jumper to match South Africa's Pieter-Steph du Toit, and his inclusion could help free up Savea's attacking options.

However, New Zealand has eschewed a lock in the bench, potentially making them appear lighter with forwards Anton Segner and Peter Lakai. This could be an area where Pieter-Steph du Toit may have been a better fit.