Pollard and Le Roux return to the Springboks’ lineup for the Rugby Championship match against New Zealand, with Siya Kolisi cleared to play after his injury.
South Africa is gearing up for an exciting Rugby Championship match against New Zealand this Saturday in Cape Town. Coach Rassie Erasmus has made seven changes to the starting lineup, aiming to shake things up after their recent win.
The spotlight is on Handre Pollard, who returns to the team as flyhalf. This is a major shift as Pollard steps in for Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who moves to the bench.
Another big change is Willie le Roux, who joins the team at fullback. These changes are part of the team's strategy to maintain their winning momentum.
In good news for South African fans, captain Siya Kolisi is fit to play. Kolisi had suffered a facial injury during last weekend’s 31-27 victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg.
He has been cleared to take his place at flank. Kolisi’s leadership is crucial, and Coach Erasmus was quick to praise his influence.
"Siya is a world-class player and captain," Erasmus said. "He leads by example and lifts the team when the pressure is on."
The back three now includes Canan Moodie and Cheslin Kolbe on the wings, but unfortunately, Kurt-Lee Arendse is out due to a concussion. Meanwhile, Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel form the center-pairing for South Africa, providing solid experience in the midfield.
At scrumhalf, Grant Williams gets the start, pushing Jaden Hendrikse to the bench. This is part of a rare 5-3 split between forwards and backs, a tactic that Erasmus has employed to ensure balance and flexibility.
In the forward pack, Jasper Wiese stays at number eight, while Pieter-Steph du Toit returns to his position at flank. Du Toit had played lock in the previous match, but he will now join Kolisi on the flank.
Eben Etzebeth, another key player, is set to make his 126th appearance for the Springboks.
This puts him just one match shy of equaling the all-time Springboks cap record held by Victor Matfield. Etzebeth will start in the second row alongside Ruan Nortje, adding strength to the team’s defense.
In the front row, Bongi Mbonambi is back as hooker, with Frans Malherbe and Ox Nche joining him as props. The forward pack is designed to bring power and stability to the team, especially in scrums and lineouts.
Erasmus knows that the game won’t be easy. New Zealand is a world-class team, and the All Blacks will be eager to make a comeback after losing last week.
“This match is going to be massive,” Erasmus said. “New Zealand is a top team, and they’ll be desperate to bounce back after losing their lead in the second half.”
South Africa’s bench is filled with strong replacements, including Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Kwagga Smith, ready to make an impact when called upon.
