South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, will not be part of the match‑day lineup for the opening Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday. Head coach Rassie Erasmus opted to hand the starting role to the relatively inexperienced lock Paul de Villiers, preferring to protect Kolisi, who is still managing a hamstring problem picked up during the Springboks’ 17‑10 win over Argentina on August 8. The decision comes ahead of a four‑match series that will see the two nations clash again in Cape Town, Johannesburg and finally in Baltimore, Maryland, in the United States.
Erasmus explained that the coaching staff chose a cautious approach, stating, “Siya trained well with us this week, and although we could have selected him for this clash, we thought it would be best to select Paul.” He added that the Springboks are looking to give de Villiers a chance to earn his first Test cap against the All Blacks while keeping Kolisi’s recovery on the back burner. Erasmus also highlighted the depth of the South African roster, noting that every player in the squad has earned his place and that selections will be made on a week‑by‑week basis.
“We have a solid group of players, and each one of them deserves their place in the squad, so we will approach team selection week by week,” he said. One of the most significant milestones on the day will be centre Damian de Allende’s 100th Test appearance for the Springboks, making him the tenth South African player to reach the century mark.
The historic occasion will be celebrated at Ellis Park, a venue steeped in rugby lore. The starting back‑line will feature the likes of Damian Willemse, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Kurt‑Lee Arendse and the emerging fly‑half Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, who will take the helm at number ten.
In the forwards, veteran lock Eben Etzebeth and prop Ox Nche, who returns to the starting XV for the first time since the July Nations Championship win over England, will anchor the pack. South Africa have enjoyed a recent run of success against New Zealand, winning five of their last six encounters, including a record‑breaking 43‑10 victory in Wellington last September. Erasmus praised the All Blacks for their quality and coaching, warning that the upcoming match will be an “80‑minute grind.” He emphasized the need for precision and discipline, noting that many past contests between the two sides have been decided by narrow margins.
"They are a quality team and they're very well coached, so we are preparing for an 80‑minute grind," Erasmus said. "They have a well‑rounded squad with physical forwards and an exciting backline, so we have to be sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset. Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire, so it's important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point. It's going to be a big battle, but the entire squad is excited about the match and looking forward to it." The Springboks’ starting XV will be: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt‑Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams; 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Paul de Villiers, 7 Pieter‑Steph du Toit (c), 8 Jasper Wiese.
Replacements: 16 Jan‑Hendrik Wessels, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Zachary Porthen, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Manie Libbok. Across the Tasman, New Zealand will field a blend of seasoned campaigners and fresh talent. Captain Ardie Savea, scrum‑half Cam Roigard and prolific wing Will Jordan will start for the All Blacks, while full‑back Damian McKenzie returns after missing the warm‑up win over the Sharks due to an ankle injury. Head coach Dave Rennie has deliberately mixed experience with youth.
Veteran hooker Codie Taylor and back‑row star Ardie Savea will be making their 18th and 17th meetings with the Springboks respectively, while newcomers Anton Segner and Josh Moorby will experience South African opposition for the first time. Rennie spoke about the anticipation surrounding the series: "After all the build‑up and anticipation, our whole touring squad is excited to get this first Test underway. We have selected a balanced mix of big‑match, experienced players and younger players who have earned the right to play in this first Test. The first three franchise games have exposed our newer players to the way South African teams play and have been fantastic in helping us build combinations and develop the game we want to play.
We know the Test series will be a huge step up. We're well aware of what the Springboks will bring to the contest and the pressure that will come to bear.
They are No 1 in the world, playing at their spiritual home in front of their passionate fans, so we will have to be at our very best on Saturday." New Zealand’s starting lineup will be: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard; 1 Ethan de Groot, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Josh Lord, 5 Fabian Holland, 6 Tupou Vaa'i, 7 Luke Jacobsen, 8 Ardie Savea (c). Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 George Bower, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Anton Segner, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Leinert‑Brown, 23 Leroy Carter. The clash promises to be a tactical battle, with both coaches emphasizing the importance of execution, discipline and seizing scoring opportunities. South Africa will look to leverage their recent dominance over the All Blacks, while New Zealand will aim to re‑assert their status as the world’s top side on home soil.
The match will be streamed live on Sky Sports, with additional coverage available through the NOW platform for viewers seeking a contract‑free experience.