Navigation for News Categories
Sport
6 Sep 2024
5:53 am on 6 September 2024
Springboks captain Siya Kolisi has been cleared to play this weekend. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
The Springboks have made seven changes to their starting line-up for this weekend's Rugby Championship test against the All Blacks in Cape Town, including a return at first-five for Handre Pollard and Willie le Roux coming into the team at fullback.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has been able to call on captain Siya Kolisi at flank after he was cleared to play following a facial injury in the 31-27 victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg last weekend.
"Siya had two options, because it is a nose fracture. He could either have it set back now and be out for three weeks, or have it done in two weeks, which is what he has chosen," coach Rassie Erasmus told reporters.
"We asked Siya the question if he would be half-hearted in contact because his nose is sore, but he came through training this week without any problem."
Le Roux, who replaces Aphelele Fassi, is joined in the back three by wings Canan Moodie and Cheslin Kolbe, with Kurt-Lee Arendse ruled out due to concussion.
Double World Cup-winning wing Makazole Mapimpi was not considered for selection as his wife is due to give birth.
Handre Pollard replaces Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at first-five. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel are paired in the centres, while Pollard replaces Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who moves to the bench.
"We have a bit of a plan around the next three years, I think we have been fair to guys to give them exposure. Fassi is definitely part of that plan," Erasmus said.
Grant Williams gets to start at scrumhalf with Jaden Hendrikse taking his place on the bench in a rare 5-3 split between forwards and backs from Erasmus.
Jasper Wiese remains at number eight and Pieter-Steph du Toit returns to the flank after playing lock last weekend.
Eben Etzebeth moves to within one of all-time Springboks cap record-holder Victor Matfield with his 126th appearance as he starts in the second row alongside Ruan Nortje.
Bongi Mbonambi is at hooker between props Frans Malherbe and Ox Nche.
"This match is going to massive," said Erasmus. "New Zealand are a world class outfit and we know that they'll be desperate to bounce back after leading in the second half last week."
Team: 15-Willie le Roux, 14-Canan Moodie, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Cheslin Kolbe, 10-Handre Pollard, 9-Grant Williams, 8-Jasper Wiese, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6-Siya Kolisi (captain), 5-Ruan Nortje, 4-Eben Etzebeth, 3-Frans Malherbe, 2-Bongi Mbonambi, 1-Ox Nche
Replacements: 16-Malcolm Marx, 17-Gerhard Steenekamp, 18-Vincent Koch, 19-Kwagga Smith, 20-Elrigh Louw, 21-Jaden Hendrikse, 22-Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23-Lukhanyo Am
-Reuters
Tags:
- sport
Copyright © 2024, Radio New Zealand
Related Stories
- All Black shakeup: Sititi and Ratima to start, big names to the bench
All Black shakeup: Sititi and Ratima to start, big names to the bench
5 Sep 2024
Is Scott Robertson forming an All Black bomb squad for the second test against the Springboks?
- Springboks taking no chances against All Blacks as they prepare for 'war'
Springboks taking no chances against All Blacks
5 Sep 2024
Springboks winger Cheslin Kolbe says you can never write off the All Blacks and expects Sunday's game to be 'tougher, more intense'.
- All Black Tamaiti Williams on being a new dad and touring rugby player
All Black on being a new dad and touring rugby player
5 Sep 2024
In an exclusive interview, Tamaiti Williams opens up about his new family and the challenges of touring.
Sport
- Rugby league: Warriors women make first signing
- Football: Chris Wood tells All Whites to 'become better'
- White Ferns Cricket World Cup squad unveiled
Top News stories
- Winstone Pulp International mill closures will be 'catastrophic' for Central North Island communities - local leader
- Parliament honours Kiingi Tuheitia
- Mpox: What you need to know
- Sewage doesn't put Labour MP Greg O'Connor off swimming in Wellington Harbour
- VMA iconic moments that shaped the early 2000s and why they impact us today
Live sport
We have regular online commentary of local and international sport.