The Springboks are heading into one of their biggest tests of the year — literally.
A revamped side, featuring both familiar names and fresh faces, will take on the All Blacks this Saturday in Wellington, with the Freedom Cup and Rugby Championship points on the line.
Kick-off is set for 09h05 (SA time), live on SuperSport.
Fresh Look for the Backline
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has rung the changes, particularly in the backline.
Ethan Hooker will make his first start in the green and gold, lining up on the wing opposite Cheslin Kolbe.
The halfback pairing has also been reshuffled, with Cobus Reinach teaming up with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie will hold down the midfield, while Aphelele Fassi gets the nod at fullback.
Siya Kolisi continues as captain, anchoring the loose trio alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese — who returns from suspension.
Changes Up Front
The pack remains largely intact, with only one adjustment.
Lood de Jager comes back into the second row to partner Ruan Nortje. Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Thomas du Toit stay locked in as the starting front row.
Erasmus has also stuck to his tried-and-tested 5–3 bench split, ensuring extra forward power while keeping creative options among the backs.
Bench Options and Tactical Balance
On the bench, hooker Marnus van der Merwe, props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, and lock RG Snyman provide muscle, while Kwagga Smith adds versatility.
Among the backline reserves are Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen, giving Erasmus a mix of pace, kicking options, and midfield strength if the game swings late.
Erasmus on the Selection
Erasmus is confident this blend of experience and fresh energy is exactly what the Boks need:
“This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require, and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side.
Every player knows we back them, and this is the perfect chance to show what they can do in New Zealand’s backyard.”
He added that consistency remains important, but some changes were necessary to sharpen their attack and bring fresh legs after last week’s defeat in Auckland.
Lessons From Last Week
The Boks lost 24–17 in tough conditions in Auckland, but Erasmus insists his side has learned from that performance:
“We know where we went wrong and what we must fix. This time, it’s about delivering a complete 80-minute performance.
We want to make South Africans proud, and that means no shortcuts.”
What’s at Stake
Not only will this clash decide who takes home the Freedom Cup, but it’s also crucial in the Rugby Championship standings.
Both teams are eager to prove themselves after a rain-affected contest in round one, and fans can expect a full-blooded showdown between rugby’s fiercest rivals.
The Springboks Starting XV
Backline:
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15 Aphelele Fassi
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14 Cheslin Kolbe
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13 Canan Moodie
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12 Damian Willemse
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11 Ethan Hooker
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10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
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9 Cobus Reinach
Forwards:
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8 Jasper Wiese
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7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
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6 Siya Kolisi (captain)
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5 Ruan Nortje
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4 Lood de Jager
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3 Thomas du Toit
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2 Malcolm Marx
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1 Ox Nche
Replacements:
Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, Andre Esterhuizen.