South Africa’s Springboks are poised to field a revitalised side for the pivotal second Test against the All Blacks this Saturday, with captain Siya Kolisi expected to return to the starting lineup and veteran fly‑half Handre Pollard slated to take the helm at number ten. The stakes could not be higher: after a stunning 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park that saw the reigning back‑to‑back world champions surrender the top spot in the World Rugby rankings to New Zealand, the Boks must secure a win in Cape Cape Town to keep any chance of clinching the series alive.
The loss in Johannesburg was the heaviest home defeat the Springboks have ever suffered at the hands of the All Blacks, a result that sent shockwaves through the South African camp and forced head coach Rassie Erasmus to rethink his approach. In response, Erasmus announced a sweeping overhaul of the match‑day squad, making four alterations to the starting XV and injecting five fresh faces onto the bench. The changes are intended to address the deficiencies that were exposed in the first encounter, particularly in the breakdown area and the defensive structure that the Springboks struggled to organise. Kolisi, who missed the opening Test due to a hamstring strain, is expected to line up at flanker, provided that his injury does not flare up during the final training session.
The former Springbok captain has been praised for his work at the breakdown and his ability to marshal the defensive line alongside lock Pieter‑Steph du Toit, a combination that Erasmus believes was lacking on Saturday. If Kolisi’s hamstring does not hold up, Paul de Villiers will retain the No 7 jersey, but the coaching staff have indicated a strong preference for having their leader on the field. The decision to reinstate Kolisi underscores the importance Erasmus places on leadership and on‑field communication.
"Paul played well on Saturday and there’s no reason why we should keep him out, but Siya is our captain," Erasmus said, highlighting the balance between rewarding form and preserving the hierarchy that guides the team. In the backs, Handre Pollard will partner with scrum‑half Cobus Reinach to form a new half‑back pairing.
Pollard, who famously kicked South Africa to World Cup triumphs in 2019 and again in 2023, has been described by Erasmus as a player who thrives under pressure. "Handré has delivered for us under extreme pressure," the coach added, signalling confidence that Pollard’s experience and composure will help steady the Boks after the first‑test setback. The wing positions have also been reshuffled. Ethan Hooker will replace the injured Cheslin Kolbe, offering fresh speed and agility on the outside.
Meanwhile, Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu, who started the first Test, has been relegated to the bench, and Manie Libbok has been omitted from the match‑day 23 altogether. The bench itself features a blend of seasoned veterans and emerging talent: Deon Fourie, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Cameron Hanekom and Morne van den Berg.
Notably, Fourie, at 39 years of age, could become the oldest player ever to represent South Africa in a Test match if he takes the field, surpassing the records held by Victor Matfield and Schalk Brits. The announced starting lineup reads as follows: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Kurt‑Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Cobus Reinach; 1 Ox Nche, 2 Malcolm Marx, 3 Wilco Louw, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 5 Ruan Nortje, 6 Siya Kolisi (or Paul de Villiers), 7 Pieter‑Steph du Toit, 8 Jasper Wiese. Replacements are 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 Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu.
Beyond the tactical adjustments, the atmosphere surrounding the match is heightened by the historic nature of the series. This is only the second four‑Test series between South Africa and New Zealand in the past half‑century, adding a layer of prestige and rivalry that resonates with fans on both continents.
The Springboks will be looking to restore pride and momentum, while the All Blacks will aim to consolidate their newly acquired world‑number‑one ranking with a convincing home victory. For supporters wanting to follow the action live, all games are being broadcast on Sky Sports in the United Kingdom and Ireland, with streaming options available through the NOW platform, which offers contract‑free access to rugby union and other sports.
Viewers are advised to use the Chrome browser for the most reliable video player experience. In summary, the Springboks enter the second Test with a refreshed roster, a reinstated captain, and a clear tactical plan designed to tighten the breakdown, reinforce the defensive line, and capitalize on the experience of seasoned play‑makers like Pollard and Kolisi.
The outcome of Saturday’s encounter will not only determine the direction of the series but also influence the broader narrative of South African rugby as it seeks to reclaim its place at the pinnacle of the sport.