Springboks make nine changes against All Blacks

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 27 Aug 2024

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Ralph Staniforth 27 Aug 2024

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Rassie Erasmus rotates heavily, balancing game time for experienced and young players.
Nine changes made for the match against New Zealand, following a win over Australia.
Injury issues at lock see Pieter-Steph du Toit move to lock.

Siya Kolisi returns to captain the side against the All Blacks (Getty Images)

Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus has become known as someone who rotates heavily between World Cup's in order to give established players enough game time, but also gives young players enough time on the park to integrate and show their worth.

It continues this weekend against New Zealand in a crucial Rugby Championship match at Emirates Airline Park. The head coach has made nine changes to the side that comfortably saw off Australia in Perth a fortnight ago.

However, that team was a fully experimental side with most regulars finding themselves on the bench or not in the squad.

This week's selection has not come without its issues though. South Africa have major injury problems at lock with the first, second and most of the third-choice options out with injury. That means, regular enforcer at flank, Pieter-Steph du Toit will feature at lock, as he did in the first match against the Wallabies. He is partnered by Ruan Nortje.

Ben-Jason Dixon takes up the number seven jersey while Jasper Wiese returns from suspension to start at the back of the scrum.

Cobus Reinach returns to scrumhalf while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retains the flyhalf jersey ahead of two-time World Cup winner, Handre Pollard.

The rest of the backline is as expected bar for Aphelele Fassie who started at 15 against Australia and retains that spot. Regular fullback, Willie le Roux does not make the squad.

South Africa Team

1. Ox Niche

2. Bongi Mbonambi

3. Frans Malherbe

4. Pieter-Steph du Toit

5. Ruan Nortje

6. Siya Kolisi (c)

7. Ben-Jason Smith

8. Jasper Wiese

9. Cobus Reinach

10. Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu

11. Kurt-Lee Arendse