It’s shaping up to be a massive showdown between the Springboks and the All Blacks in tomorrow’s Rugby Championship clash in Johannesburg (5pm start).
But who will be the movers and shakers at Ellis Park? Here are five player match-ups that could have a major effect on the proceedings ...
Aphelele Fassi v Beauden Barrett
Fassi faces the biggest challenge of his Test career as he comes up against one of the best players in the world in Barrett.
The Sharks star is back and performing at the highest level this year, but his defence and command of the high ball will come under serious scrutiny from top Kiwi chasers Beauden Barrett, Caleb Clarke and Will Jordan.
Fassi, though, has the ability to return the favour with his own searing pace and classy running lines, and if he excels, he could contend for the No 15 jersey permanently.
Jesse Kriel v Rieko Ioane
The Bok No 13 is in the finest form of his life, having stepped in for the injured Lukhanyo Am last year already.
Apart from his usual terrific work rate on defence, Kriel appears to have unlocked those attacking skills from his early years in the game under Tony Brown’s watch.
That is what makes this duel so exciting, as it’s not just Ioane who will have a go with ball in hand against the opposition.
All Black No 13 Ioane will have his hands full on defence to keep Kriel, Damian de Allende and Co at bay.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu v Damian McKenzie
The Stormers youngster seems to be the golden boy of South African rugby at the moment, with good reason – but this is the ultimate test.
The All Blacks traditionally have the best attack in world rugby, and McKenzie will want to prove that is still the case – especially after the Wellington loss to Argentina.
There are some serious runners in the backline, such as Barrett, Clarke and Ioane, who will thrive off the space created by McKenzie.
But Feinberg-Mngomezulu has his own bag of party tricks, as a playmaker and strike-runner himself, and he can announce his arrival on the world stage with a big performance tomorrow.
Jasper Wiese v Ardie Savea
Who can ever forget Wiese’s huge carry off the back of the final scrum in last year’s World Cup final?
The Bok No 8 will be frothing at the mouth after missing six Tests this year due to suspension, but he will have to channel his aggression in the right manner and not give away penalties or cough up possession when he rampages into contact.
Savea can also do the hard yards, but will try to run into spaces instead of faces and get his offloads away in the tackle.
Both No 8s will push for turnovers, too, but who will keep the other one in check?
Pieter-Steph du Toit v Scott Barrett
Both stalwarts have excelled at blindside flank previously, but will have to do a critical job in the tight- loose this time around.
Du Toit is a tackle machine, but may need to operate around the ruck fringes to snuff out Barret’s big carries at close quarters.
Their line-out duel will also be fascinating to see, with Du Toit probably having an edge there due to his experience as a No 5 lock before and being more agile around the pitch.
Barrett will want to guide his team to victory after the World Cup final defeat – but he will have to neutralise Du Toit first ...