After falling short against the All Blacks in Auckland last weekend, the Springboks have wasted no time in reshuffling their side for the second Test.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has not only made several bold changes but also surprised fans by announcing the matchday 23 early in the week — something he rarely does.
The crucial clash will take place on Saturday at Sky Stadium in Wellington, where the winner will walk away with the Freedom Cup in round four of the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.
A Fresh Backline with a New Starter
One of the most eye-catching moves is the selection of Ethan Hooker, who will make his first start in the green and gold jersey.
Erasmus has opted for a completely revamped backline: Cobus Reinach pairs with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie team up in midfield, while Hooker and Cheslin Kolbe take the wings.
At fullback, Aphelele Fassi gets the nod.
Regular captain Siya Kolisi will lead the side once again, bringing his familiar leadership to a reworked lineup.
Changes Up Front
In the forwards, Kolisi returns to his usual spot at flanker, with Pieter-Steph du Toit alongside him and Jasper Wiese making his comeback at No 8 after completing a four-match suspension.
The lock pairing has been adjusted, with Lood de Jager starting alongside Ruan Nortje.
Erasmus has kept faith with the same front row that faced the All Blacks in Auckland: Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit as props, and Malcolm Marx at hooker.
Strong Options on the Bench
As has become typical for Erasmus, the bench has been carefully balanced with five forwards and three backs.
Among the replacements are Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Wilco Louw for the front row, RG Snyman at lock, and Kwagga Smith covering loose forward.
For the backs, Grant Williams and Manie Libbok provide cover at halfback, while Andre Esterhuizen adds midfield depth.
Full Springbok Team to Face the All Blacks in Wellington
Starting XV:
15. Aphelele Fassi – 14 caps, 35 points
14. Cheslin Kolbe – 43 caps, 111 points
13. Canan Moodie – 17 caps, 40 points
12. Damian Willemse – 42 caps, 61 points
11. Ethan Hooker – 2 caps, 0 points
10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu – 12 caps, 58 points
9. Cobus Reinach – 43 caps, 75 points
8. Jasper Wiese – 36 caps, 10 points
7. Pieter-Steph du Toit – 90 caps, 60 points
6. Siya Kolisi (captain) – 95 caps, 65 points
5. Ruan Nortje – 10 caps, 0 points
4. Lood de Jager – 70 caps, 25 points
3. Thomas du Toit – 27 caps, 5 points
2. Malcolm Marx – 81 caps, 120 points
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Ox Nche – 44 caps, 0 points
Replacements:
16. Marnus van der Merwe – 2 caps, 10 points
17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels – 6 caps, 10 points
18. Wilco Louw – 21 caps, 0 points
19. RG Snyman – 43 caps, 10 points
20. Kwagga Smith – 56 caps, 50 points
21. Grant Williams – 22 caps, 25 points
22. Manie Libbok – 21 caps, 115 points
23. Andre Esterhuizen – 22 caps, 5 points
What’s at Stake in Wellington
The showdown in Wellington is about more than just bouncing back from defeat.
With the Freedom Cup on the line, both sides know the stakes are high.
For the Springboks, Erasmus’ bold changes could either spark a resurgence or leave fans questioning his gamble.
For the All Blacks, it’s a chance to cement their dominance after last week’s 24–17 victory.