South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, will not be part of the Springboks squad that faces New Zealand in the opening Test at Ellis Park on Saturday. Coach Rassie Erasmus opted to include the relatively inexperienced lock Paul de Villiers in the match‑day 23, preferring to give the young forward a chance while Kolisi continues to recover from a hamstring strain he suffered during the 17‑10 win over Argentina on August 8. The decision means Kolisi will sit out the first of four Tests scheduled against the All Blacks, with the remaining fixtures set for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore in the United States.
Erasmus explained that the coaching staff wanted to protect the captain’s fitness and take a cautious approach to his return, even though Kolisi had been training well during the week. "We could have selected him, but we thought it best to give Paul his debut," Erasmus said. "Paul has been performing admirably in training, and we’re excited to see how he handles the intensity of a New Zealand Test." Erasmus also highlighted the depth of the Springboks squad, noting that each player earns his place and that selections will be reviewed on a week‑by‑week basis throughout the series. Centre Damian de Allende will reach a personal milestone at Ellis Park, earning his 100th Test cap and joining an elite group of ten South Africans who have hit the century mark.
The Springboks will retain fly‑half Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu and lock Eben Etzebeth in the starting XV after they featured in the victorious Buenos Aires match. Prop Ox Nche returns to the starting lineup for the first time since the July Nations Championship win over England. The team’s backline will feature the ever‑dangerous wing Kurt‑Lee Arendse, full‑back Damian Willemse, and the electric outside centre Cheslin Kolbe, among others.
South Africa have enjoyed a strong recent record against New Zealand, winning five of their last six encounters, including a historic 43‑10 drubbing in Wellington last September. Erasmus acknowledged the quality of the All Blacks, describing them as a well‑coached, physically imposing side with a dynamic backline. He warned that the upcoming match will be an "80‑minute grind" and emphasized the need for precision, discipline and the ability to capitalise on every opportunity.
The New Zealand squad, led by captain Ardie Savea, will feature a blend of seasoned campaigners and emerging talent. Veteran hooker Codie Taylor and lock Sam Coughlan (referred to as Codie Taylor in the original) will be on the field for their 18th and 17th meetings with the Springboks respectively.
Young backs such as Josh Moorby and Anton Segner will make their South African debuts, while record‑scoring winger Will Jordan, scrum‑half Cam Roigard and full‑back Damian McKenzie (who is returning after an ankle injury sustained in a warm‑up game against the Sharks) will start for the All Blacks. Head coach Dave Rennie spoke about the balance in his squad, noting that the first three franchise games on the tour have helped the newer players adapt to the South African style of play and develop the combinations needed for a high‑stakes Test series. "Our squad is excited to kick off the first Test after all the build‑up," Rennie said.
"We have a mix of experienced, big‑match players and younger athletes who have earned their spots. The series will be a step up, and we know the Springboks will bring intensity and pressure, especially playing at home in front of passionate fans." Both teams have announced their starting line‑ups.
South Africa will field Damian Willemse (15), Cheslin Kolbe (14), Jesse Kriel (13), Damian de Allende (12), Kurt‑Lee Arendse (11), Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu (10), Grant Williams (9) in the backs, with Ox Nche (1), Malcolm Marx (2), Wilco Louw (3), Eben Etzebeth (4), Ruan Nortje (5), Paul de Villiers (6), Pieter‑Steph du Toit (c, 7), and Jasper Wiese (8) making up the forwards. The bench includes Jan‑Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Cobus Wiese, Andre Esterhuizen, Marco van Staden, Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok. New Zealand’s back‑line will consist of Damian McKenzie (15), Will Jordan (14), Quinn Tupaea (13), Jordie Barrett (12), Josh Moorby (11), Ruben Love (10) and Cam Roigard (9).
The forward pack will feature Ethan de Groot (1), Codie Taylor (2), Tyrel Lomax (3), Josh Lord (4), Fabian Holland (5), Tupou Vaa'i (6), Luke Jacobsen (7), and Ardie Savea (c, 8). Their replacements are Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Leinert‑Brown and Leroy Carter.
The match is set to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides aware that the series will likely be decided by fine margins. The Springboks will look to leverage their home advantage and recent success against the All Blacks, while New Zealand will aim to reassert their status as the world’s number one team on foreign soil. Fans can watch the entire series live on Sky Sports, with streaming options available through the NOW platform for contract‑free viewing.
The first Test promises high drama, physicality, and a showcase of some of the finest talent in modern rugby union.