Springboks Set for Eden Park Battle: Here’s the SA Kick Off Time

When the Springboks march out at Eden Park on 6 September, South Africans will be tuning in with coffee mugs in hand. The clash against the All Blacks kicks off at 09:05 SA time, turning a Saturday morning into prime-time rugby viewing.

A Fortress the Boks Haven’t Conquered in 88 Years

Eden Park isn’t just another stadium. For New Zealand, it’s a fortress with an almost mythical aura. The All Blacks are unbeaten in 50 consecutive Tests there, and the Springboks haven’t tasted victory at the ground since 1937. That’s a drought stretching back 88 years. For South African fans, the question is less about whether Eden Park can be breached, and more about whether history can be rewritten.

Kwagga Smith: “It’s a Massive Game”

Springbok loose forward Kwagga Smith didn’t mince his words ahead of the trip:

“It’s a massive game, going to Eden Park. It’s going to be tough. New Zealand’s a great opponent. But for us, it’s just about getting better every game and taking confidence forward.”

His comments reflect a team that isn’t intimidated by history. Instead, the Boks are leaning into their momentum, determined to sharpen their game with every outing in this Rugby Championship campaign.

Back-to-Back Battles

The Boks won’t just face New Zealand once, but twice in the space of a week. After Auckland on 6 September, the sides head to Wellington for another Test on 13 September, both kicking off at 09:05 SA time. It’s a punishing schedule, but also a golden opportunity for Rassie Erasmus’ men to make a statement on Kiwi soil.

Fans Already Fired Up

Social media has lit up with fans sharing their match-day plans. Some are joking about swapping braais for breakfast spreads, while others insist they’ll still light the fire at sunrise to keep tradition alive. The early kick off hasn’t dulled the hypeit’s only added to the sense of occasion.

The Squad at a Glance

South Africa’s travelling squad blends experience and energy. Household names like Siya Kolisi, Eben Etzebeth, and Handre Pollard are joined by rising talents such as Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Ethan Hooker. Speedsters Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie will carry the nation’s hopes out wide, while the packanchored by Malcolm Marx and Ox Nchewill be tasked with setting the physical tone.

Why This Test Matters

This isn’t just another stop in the Rugby Championship. For South Africans, a win at Eden Park would be more than a victoryit would be a landmark moment, breaking nearly nine decades of frustration in Auckland. The Boks head into the clash knowing they’re not just playing the All Blacks, but also the weight of history.

And for fans back home? It’s an early start worth setting the alarm for.

Source:The South African

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