South Africa’s captain, Siya Kolisi, will not feature in the Springboks’ squad for the opening Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park on Saturday. Head coach Rassie Erasmus opted to include the relatively untested lock Paul de Villiers in the match‑day 23, leaving Kolisi on the sidelines while he recovers from a hamstring strain picked up during the 17‑10 win over Argentina on August 8.
The decision comes as the Springboks prepare for a four‑match series against the All Blacks, with the remaining three Tests scheduled for Cape Town, Johannesburg and Baltimore in the United States. Erasmus explained that the coaching staff decided to manage Kolisi’s return cautiously, preferring to give de Villiers a chance in his first Test against New Zealand. "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," Erasmus said. "We are playing four Tests against the All Blacks and Paul has been playing well, so we are excited to give him a chance this weekend in what will be his first Test match against New Zealand, while taking a precautionary approach to Siya's return." Erasmus added that the Springboks have a deep pool of talent and that selection will be handled 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 noted. A major milestone will be reached at Ellis Park as centre Damian de Allende lines up for his 100th Test cap, becoming only the tenth South African player to reach the century mark. The veteran’s achievement adds a celebratory note to what promises to be a fiercely contested encounter.
Two players retain their starting spots from the Buenos Aires victory: fly‑half Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu and lock Eben Etzebeth. Prop Ox Nche also returns to the starting XV for the first time since the July Nations Championship win over England.
Historically, the Springboks have enjoyed a strong record against the All Blacks, winning five of their last six meetings, including a historic 43‑10 thrashing in Wellington last September. Erasmus praised the New Zealand side, describing them as "a quality team and they're very well coached" and warning that the match will be an "80‑minute grind".
He highlighted the All Blacks’ balanced roster of powerful forwards and an exciting backline, stressing the need for the Springboks to be "sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset" and to maintain discipline throughout the contest. The Springboks’ announced starting XV reads: 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. The bench includes Jan‑Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp, Zachary Porthen, Cobus Wiese, Andre Esterhuizen, Marco van Staden, Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok.
For New Zealand, the line‑up features captain Ardie Savea, scrum‑half Cam Roigard and prolific wing Will Jordan, all making their first appearances of the summer tour. Full‑back Damian McKenzie returns after missing the warm‑up win over the Sharks due to an ankle injury.
Head coach Dave Rennie has blended seasoned campaigners with fresh faces, fielding 110‑cap veterans Savea and Codie Taylor alongside newcomers Anton Segner and Josh Moorby, who will be making their Springbok debuts. Rennie expressed enthusiasm about the series, stating, "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." He also acknowledged the step up in intensity, noting, "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 XV is: 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).
Their replacements are Asafo Aumua, George Bower, Fletcher Newell, Anton Segner, Peter Lakai, Kyle Preston, Anton Leinert‑Brown and Leroy Carter. Both coaches highlighted the significance of discipline and capitalising on opportunities, noting that many previous encounters between the two nations have been decided by narrow margins. The match is expected to be a tightly contested battle, with each side looking to assert dominance early and maintain pressure throughout the full eighty minutes.
Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, with streaming available through the NOW platform for those without a contract. The series promises to be a showcase of the highest level of rugby, featuring a blend of veteran leadership, emerging talent and tactical nuance from two of the sport’s most storied nations.