The Rugby Championship enters its final round of fixtures on Saturday, with South Africa looking to secure their second title since the tournament's expansion in 2012 when they host the only side that can still pip them to glory, Argentina.
Reigning champions New Zealand, meanwhile, will be hoping to end their disappointing campaign on a high note when they take on old rivals Australia in Wellington.
- NEW ZEALAND TO WIN BY 20+ POINTS
- SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN BY 1-12 POINTS
All Blacks vs Australia
New Zealand are known for their intensity and dominance but the Kiwis' defence of their Rugby Championship crown has been far below the standards expected of Scott Robertson's men.
The All Blacks are third in the table after three defeats from their five matches so far, losing twice to the Springboks in South Africa after being stunned 38-30 by Argentina in week one in what was only their third defeat from 39 total meetings with the Pumas.
They responded well to their opening defeat to Argentina by putting the Pumas to the sword the following week, winning 42-10 in their only resounding victory of the tournament so far.
However, they may be confident that they can run away with proceedings again in this year's second Bledisloe Cup tie when they face an Australia side that has struggled to compete consistently.
The Wallabies are bottom of the pile with just one victory in this tournament - a 20-19 win over Argentina secured thanks to an 81st penalty from Ben Donaldson - and Joe Schmidt's men have been on the receiving end of some hidings in this competition in 2024.
Australia have lost by at least 20 points in two of their four defeats so far - against South Africa (33-7) and the Pumas (67-27).
They were also 28-14 down at the interval in last weekend's Bledisloe Cup opener and with the Wallabies last winning on New Zealand soil in a friendly in 2012, another heavy loss may be on its way.
NEW ZEALAND TO WIN BY 20+ POINTS
All Blacks vs Australia Teams
All Blacks: 15 Will Jordan, 14 Sevu Reece, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Caleb Clarke, 10 Beauden Barrett, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Ardie Savea, 7 Sam Cane, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Tupou Vaa’i, 4 Scott Barrett (c), 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor, 1 Ethan de Groot
Bench: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Tamaiti Williams, 18 Pasilio Tosi, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Luke Jacobson, 21 Cortez Ratima, 22 Damian McKenzie, 23 David Havili
South Africa vs Argentina
Argentina managed to delay South Africa's coronation until the final weekend thanks to their impressive 29-28 victory in Santiago del Estero but the Pumas face a gargantuan task if they are to claim their first-ever continental title.
Felipe Contepomi's men must defeat the Springboks by more than seven points and score at least three more tries than South Africa to stand any chance of pipping the world champions to glory.
This looks like too tall a mountain to climb for the Pumas - who have only ever won once on South African soil - but they can still give the Springboks a good game in Mbombela.
Rassie Erasmus' side have won both home matches in this competition but failed to run away with either, beating New Zealand twice by no more than seven points.
The Springboks were also very unlucky that they did not seal the Rugby Championship in South America, given that Kurt-Lee Arendse and Manie Libbok missed last minute drop goals and penalties to seal victory.
Given that they are in front of their own fans, they should be able to make home advantage count to seal the title. However, with Argentina still fighting for glory, it is unlikely that they will run away with proceedings.
SOUTH AFRICA TO WIN BY 1-12 POINTS
Springboks vs Argentina Teams
Springboks: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Bench: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Vincent Koch, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Handre Pollard , 23 Lukhanyo Am
Argentina: TBA
