New Zealand have reshuffled their starting fifteen for the second Test against South Africa, which will be played on Saturday in Cape Town. The changes are aimed at cementing a 2‑0 lead in the four‑match series and giving the All Blacks a fresh boost after their dominant 33‑16 win in Johannesburg that lifted them to the top of the world rankings.
The most notable alteration is the inclusion of Chiefs winger Leroy Carter, who replaces Josh Moorby on the right wing. Carter joins a back three that already features the prolific outside back Will Jordan and the versatile full‑back Damian McKenzie. The three‑quarter line now has a blend of speed, power and creative flair that should trouble the Springbok defence. In the forward pack, prop George Bower and lock Tupou Vaa'i have been drafted in to replace Ethan de Groot and Josh Lord, both of whom have been ruled out after sustaining concussions in the first Test.
Bower brings scrummaging stability, while Vaa'i adds height and athleticism to the line‑out and a solid work‑rate around the ruck. Ruben Love retains his position at fly‑half, continuing the partnership with McKenzie and Jordan that has been developing over the tour. Veteran fly‑half Beauden Barrett is again omitted from the 23‑man match‑day squad, signalling that the coaching staff are committed to giving the younger playmakers a chance to cement their places.
Ardie Savea will once more captain the side, and Dave Rennie has opted for a balanced replacement bench with a five‑forward, three‑back split, ensuring depth in both the pack and the backline. Rennie commented after the first Test, "While we were happy with the win last week, I think both teams will be better this weekend.
We've played four Tests this year and are still growing as a group." He added that the competition for places has been intense and that the squad’s performances in South Africa have been encouraging. The coach’s optimism reflects the All Blacks’ confidence after a performance that saw them out‑class the reigning world champions and claim the number one spot in the world rankings. The New Zealand starting XV will be: 15 Damian McKenzie, 14 Will Jordan, 13 Quinn Tupaea, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Leroy Carter, 10 Ruben Love, 9 Cam Roigard; 1 George Bower, 2 Codie Taylor, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 4 Fabian Holland, 5 Tupou Vaa'i, 6 Simon Parker, 7 Luke Jacobsen, 8 Ardie Savea (c).
Replacements: 16 Asafo Aumua, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Fletcher Newell, 19 Patrick Tuipulotu, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Anton Lienert‑Brown, 23 Josh Moorby. South Africa have also tweaked their line‑up. Young centre Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu is named at fly‑half, stepping in for the injured Handre Pollard, who is sidelined with a calf strain.
In addition, wing Cheslin Kolbe has been added to the bench after a minor knock, replacing Kurt‑Lee Arendse who was originally selected but could not start. Kolbe’s presence provides the Springboks with an extra attacking weapon on the outside, even if he begins the match as a substitute.
The Springbok XV will be: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach; 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 7 Pieter‑Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese. Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.
Both teams will be looking to fine‑tune their strategies ahead of what promises to be a tightly contested match. New Zealand will aim to maintain the momentum that propelled them to a commanding win in Johannesburg, while South Africa will be eager to bounce back and level the series. The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, with streaming options available via NOW for contract‑free viewing.
The kickoff time has been scheduled to suit European audiences, ensuring that fans across the continent can follow every minute of the action. The series is part of New Zealand’s broader tour of South Africa, a tour that includes three more Tests after this one. With the All Blacks already holding a 1‑0 lead, a victory in Cape Town would give them a virtually insurmountable advantage, as they would need just one more win to clinch the series.
Conversely, a loss would keep the series alive and set up a potentially dramatic third Test in Pretoria. The stakes are high, and both camps have indicated that they are preparing meticulously, focusing on set‑piece execution, defensive organization, and the ability to create and finish scoring opportunities under pressure. Rugby analysts expect the battle in the forwards to be particularly intense, given the presence of world‑class props and locks on both sides. The Springboks’ experienced pack, anchored by Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx, will test New Zealand’s newly introduced front‑row players, while the All Blacks’ dynamic back‑row, featuring Ardie Savea and Simon Parker, will look to disrupt South Africa’s ball‑carrying platforms.
In the backline, the contrast between the seasoned playmakers of New Zealand and the youthful exuberance of South Africa’s newcomers adds an extra layer of intrigue. If Leroy Carter can translate his club form to the international stage, he could become a decisive factor on the wing. Meanwhile, the Springboks will rely on the creativity of Kolbe and the reliability of Willemse to keep the scoreboard ticking. Overall, the second Test promises to be a showcase of high‑quality rugby, with both nations eager to prove their superiority in the southern hemisphere’s most prestigious rivalry.
Fans can expect a blend of tactical kicking, powerful running, and moments of individual brilliance that have defined this historic contest.