The Springboks have made two significant changes to their starting team ahead of Saturday’s second Test against New Zealand, with Cheslin Kolbe returning to the lineup and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu moving into the flyhalf position.
Kolbe has recovered from the knock that forced him to leave the opening Test between South Africa and the All Blacks in Johannesburg last week.
His return sees Kurt-Lee Arendse drop out of the matchday squad for the Cape Town encounter.
Pollard Ruled Out After Training Injury
The biggest late setback for South Africa is the withdrawal of experienced flyhalf Handre Pollard.
Pollard picked up a niggle during training on Wednesday.
Although he remained under assessment, a review on Friday morning resulted in the decision to remove him from the team for the second Test.
His absence means Feinberg-Mngomezulu will take over as the starting No. 10. Manie Libbok has been named as the reserve flyhalf and will provide cover from the replacements bench.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu Gets Another Major Opportunity
Feinberg-Mngomezulu has already featured prominently in South Africa’s recent Tests, having started against Argentina as well as the All Blacks in last week’s opening encounter.
The young flyhalf now faces another demanding assignment against New Zealand, this time in front of a home crowd at Cape Town Stadium.
Libbok’s inclusion among the replacements gives the Springboks an experienced option should they need to alter their attacking approach during the match.
Springboks Retain a Strong Core
Despite the late alteration at flyhalf, South Africa still fields a powerful starting side led by captain Siya Kolisi.
Damian Willemse starts at fullback, with Kolbe on the right wing, Jesse Kriel at outside centre and Damian de Allende at inside centre.
Ethan Hooker completes the back three alongside Willemse and Kolbe.
Reinach partners Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, while Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Kolisi make up the loose trio.
Ruan Nortje and Eben Etzebeth are selected in the second row, with Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche completing the front row.
New Zealand Also Names a Powerful Lineup
The All Blacks will arrive in Cape Town with a formidable team of their own.
Damian McKenzie starts at fullback, with Will Jordan and Leroy Carter on the wings.
Quinn Tupaea and Jordie Barrett form the centre partnership, while Ruben Love has been selected at flyhalf alongside Cam Roigard at scrumhalf.
Captain Ardie Savea leads the pack, with Luke Jacobson and Simon Parker joining him in the loose forwards.
Tupou Vaa’i and Fabian Holland are the locks, while Tyrel Lomax, Codie Taylor and George Bower form the starting front row.
Cape Town Stadium Set for Another Rivalry Clash
The second Test in the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry Series will be played at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Kick-off is scheduled for 17:10, with the match set to be broadcast live on SuperSport.
The late changes add another layer of intrigue to an already highly anticipated contest, particularly with Pollard’s withdrawal forcing South Africa to adjust its plans just hours before the match.
Angus Gardner Takes Charge
Australian referee Angus Gardner has been appointed to control the Test.
He will be assisted by England’s Karl Dickson and Scotland’s Sam Grove-White, while Brett Cronan, also from Australia, will serve as the television match official.
What’s Next?
The immediate focus will be on how South Africa adapts to Pollard’s absence and whether Feinberg-Mngomezulu can successfully handle the responsibility of directing the Springbok attack against the All Blacks.
Kolbe’s return, meanwhile, provides South Africa with a proven attacking threat on the wing after he recovered from the injury concern that ended his involvement in the first Test.
With both teams naming strong squads, Saturday’s Cape Town clash promises to be another intense chapter in one of rugby’s biggest international rivalries.
Summary
South Africa have reshuffled their team for the second Test against New Zealand, bringing Cheslin Kolbe back into the starting lineup while handing Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu the No. 10 jersey after Handre Pollard was ruled out with a training niggle.
Manie Libbok will provide flyhalf cover from the bench, while captain Siya Kolisi continues to lead a Springbok side packed with experienced internationals.
The match at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 17:10 on Saturday, with Angus Gardner appointed as referee.
Key Takeaways
- Cheslin Kolbe returns to the Springboks’ starting lineup.
- Kurt-Lee Arendse drops out of the matchday squad.
- Handre Pollard has been withdrawn after picking up a training niggle.
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu moves into the starting flyhalf role.
- Manie Libbok will provide flyhalf cover from the bench.
- Siya Kolisi remains South Africa’s captain.
- The All Blacks have also named a strong starting XV.
- The second Test will be played at Cape Town Stadium at 17:10 on Saturday.
- Angus Gardner of Australia will referee the match.
