Springboks team will look like this for All Blacks battle

In what will be one of the most highly anticipated matches of the year, the Springboks will face the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday in a massive Rugby Championship clash that could ultimately have a huge impact on the title.

It’s important to note that kick off will take place at 09.05am SA time, while the build up to the match will begin on SuperSport from 8am.

ALSO READ | Which Springboks missed out on squad selection for All Blacks

A group of 13 players travelled to New Zealand last Tuesday, which included injured skipper Siya Kolisi and a few team management members, while Bulls prop Gerhard Steenekamp made the journey on Wednesday as an injury replacement for Ox Nche.

Then, on Saturday night, a group of 21 players was named to join their team-mates in New Zealand for the battle against the All Blacks, bringing the total number of players to 35.

With all this in mind, we take a look at what the Springboks side could look like this weekend, with Eben Etzebeth set to captain the side.

ALSO READ | Good morning: What time does Springboks-All Blacks Test kick off?

THE SECOND SPRINGBOKS TEAM OF THE YEAR COULD LOOK LIKE THIS

All things considered, the starting XV is expected to look like this: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Damian Willemse, 9 Faf de Klerk, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Kwagga Smith, 5 Lood de Jager, 4 Eben Etzebeth (captain), 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Steven Kitshoff.

WATCH: Can the Springboks retain the World Cup? [analysis]

* Let us know by clicking on the comment button at the end of this article if you feel this is what the second Test team of the year could look like?

WATCH: Eddie Jones confronts South African journalist

ADDITIONAL PLAYERS TRAVELLING TO NEW ZEALAND:

Forwards: Thomas du Toit (prop), Pieter-Steph du Toit (loose forward), Deon Fourie (utility forward), Steven Kitshoff (prop), Jean Kleyn (lock), Vincent Koch (prop) Frans Malherbe (prop), Bongi Mbonambi (hooker), Trevor Nyakane (prop), RG Snyman (lock), Marco van Staden (flank), Duane Vermeulen (No 8).

ALSO READ | Which Springboks earned an unexpected ticket to New Zealand?

Backs: Lukhanyo Am (centre), Kurt-Lee Arendse (wing), Andre Esterhuizen (centre), Herschel Jantjies (scrumhalf), Willie le Roux (fullback), Manie Libbok (flyhalf), Cobus Reinach (scrumhalf), Damian Willemse (utility back), Grant Williams (scrumhalf).

HAVE YOUR SAY | POLL | The new ‘BLUE’ Springbok jersey: Like it or loathe it?