Minute-by-minute updates on the action at Twickenham as the old rivals run their final preparations. Join Daniel Gallan
It’s the greatest rivalry between the two most successful sides contested at the Home of Rugby. Honestly, what more do I need to say to get you hyped for this one?
Both the Springboks and All Blacks have named powerful starting XVs with formidable replacements on the bench. This may be a largely meaningless game with more to lose than to gain, but that’s clearly not the message from both camps. They’re out to win, and win big. Perhaps in doing so the victor can carry momentum into the World Cup and gain a psychological edge in what could be a quarterfinal clash in a few weeks’ time.
It’s a sell-out game as England’s HQ will be stormed by an army of southern hemisphere expats who regard both these sides as more than just rugby teams. These are 46 ambassadors. The Springboks and All Blacks are ideals. They represent the best of each nation and are arguably their best cultural exports.
There’s just one nagging concern that is hard to shake from the back of one’s mind. Whatever deity you believe in, please remember to cast a sincere word up the rugby gods and pray that no one picks up an injury that would deny them a place at the World Cup. No matter your allegiance, it would be a crying shame to lose a giant in black or green.
My name is Dan and I’m genuinely thrilled to be at the wheel on this one. I’ve loved this rivalry since Jonah Lomu haunted my nightmares as a child and it retains a special place in my heart. I’m at the ground but I’m going to sneak off quickly and see if I can find a boerewors roll. I can smell them cooking so I know they can’t be too far.
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