Springboks Rally with Kolisi and Pollard as They Face All Blacks in Crucial Test
Siya Kolisi is set to return as captain, while Handre Pollard steps in at fly-half for South Africa's must-win second Test against New Zealand on Saturday. After suffering a shocking 33-16 defeat—their heaviest home loss to the All Blacks—the reigning world champions aim to level the series in Cape Town. The Springboks travel knowing only a victory will keep their championship hopes alive. Coach Rassie Erasmus has made four changes to his starting XV, with five new faces on the replacements bench following the disappointing loss at Ellis Park. Kolisi is expected to start at flanker, provided his hamstring issue does not resurface during training. If unfit, Paul de Villiers will retain his No 7 position. Erasmus emphasized Kolisi's importance at the breakdown and in organizing the defense alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit, areas that were notably lacking in the first Test. Erasmus stated, "Paul played well on Saturday, but Siya is our captain." Pollard's return bolsters the Springboks' chances; he has a proven track record, having led South Africa to World Cup glory in 2019 and 2023. The bench includes Deon Fourie, who could become South Africa's oldest Test player at 39 if he plays. South Africa’s Starting Team: 15 Damian Willemse 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse 13 Jesse Kriel 12 Damian de Allende 11 Ethan Hooker 10 Handre Pollard 9 Cobus Reinach 1 Ox Nche 2 Malcolm Marx 3 Wilco Louw 4 Eben Etzebeth 5 Ruan Nortje 6 Siya Kolisi/Paul de Villiers 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit 8 Jasper Wiese Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie 17 Gerhard Steenekamp 18 Thomas du Toit 19 Lood de Jager 20 Andre Esterhuizen 21 Cameron Hanekom 22 Morne van den Berg 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu Test Series Schedule: First Test: South Africa 16-33 New Zealand Second Test: August 29, Cape Town Stadium (4.10pm) Third Test: September 5, FNB Stadium, Johannesburg (4.10pm) Fourth Test: September 12, M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA (10pm) South Africa seeks redemption as they clash with New Zealand in this pivotal encounter.
Source: Sky Sports - 2026-08-25