This weekend we will be treated to a preview of the “Dream Final” in my point of view. South Africa will be hosting the world’s number one rugby team New Zealand this weekend in Absa Stadium Durban. The All Blacks will be starting their defense of the Tri Nations this weekend. Victor Matfield has been named the Springbok captain for this match as John Smith will be out due to injury. Richie McCaw will be the skipper for the All Blacks one their first game.

South Africa:
South African Coach Jake white has been forced to make a few changes to his team due to injury. The latest casualties Pierre Spies and Juan Smith will be replaced by Bobby Skinstad and Danie Rossouw. Gary Botha will have some big shoes to fill as he will be the starting hooker for the Boks this Saturday for the injured John Smith. With the depth of the Springbok Squad South Africa are still looking very strong and are more than capable of beating the All Blacks on their home turf.

15 Percy Montgomery
14 Ashwin Willemse
13 Jaque Fourie
12 Jean de Villiers
11 JP Pietersen
10 Butch James
9 Ruan Pienaar
8 Bob Skinstad
7 Danie Rossouw
6 Schalk Burger
5 Victor Matfield (c)
4 Bakkies Botha
3 BJ Botha
2 Gary Botha
1 Os du Randt

New Zealand:
Graham Henry’s All Blacks are in full nick and seem ready for the Boks despite the talks about the Springboks having a better run up to this Saturdays game while the All blacks have just been playing curtain raiser games. Anton Oliver will be starting for the All blacks and i expect a big battle upfront in the scrums. Something to watch out for!

15 Mils Muliaina
14 Joe Rokocoko
13 Isaia Toeava
12 Aaron Mauger
11 Sitiveni Sivivatu
10 Dan Carter
9 Byron Kelleher
8 Rodney So’oialo
7 Richie McCaw
6 Jerry Collins
5 Greg Rawlinson
4 Troy Flavell
3 Carl Hayman
2 Anton Oliver
1 Tony Woodcock

I predict an extremely close match. I think the Springbok will win this game due to their home ground advantage, but not by much!