Rassie Erasmus Shake Things Up as Springboks Face All Blacks in Must-Win Clash
Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus has unveiled a significantly reshuffled squad as South Africa prepare for their rematch with New Zealand in the Rugby Championship.
The announcement follows the Boks’ 24-17 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland last weekend.
New-Look Backline After Auckland Defeat
Erasmus has opted for a youthful and experimental backline in a bid to inject pace and creativity. Cheslin Kolbe is the only player to retain his position, staying on the right wing. Canan Moodie moves from wing to centre alongside Damian Willemse, who will feature at inside centre for the first time at Test level.
Ethan Hooker fills Moodie’s previous slot on the left wing, while Aphelele Fassi takes charge at full-back. In the half-back pairing, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach get the nod, with veteran Handre Pollard omitted from the matchday squad.
“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,” Erasmus said.
Key Changes in the Pack
While the forward unit sees fewer changes, Erasmus has still adjusted his options. Jasper Wiese returns at number eight after completing a suspension, joining Pieter-Steph du Toit and captain Siya Kolisi in the loose trio. Marco van Staden drops out.
Lood de Jager partners Ruan Nortje in the second row, with Eben Etzebeth not included. The front row remains consistent, as Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Thomas du Toit continue their starting roles.
“Every player in this squad knows we believe in them and back them, and this will serve as a great occasion for them to show us what they are capable of against a team such as the All Blacks,” Erasmus added.
Bench Options Adjusted
The coach has stuck with a 5-3 forwards-to-backs split among the replacements, but several personnel changes have been made. Jan-Hendrik Wessels covers prop, while Marnus van der Merwe is drafted in at hooker. RG Snyman, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen also return to the fold, with Grant Williams dropping to the bench.
Wilco Louw and Kwagga Smith are the only players to keep their bench places from the Auckland clash.
A Must-Win for the Rugby Championship Campaign
Erasmus acknowledged the urgency of the fixture, stressing the need for a complete 80-minute display.
“We need a top-class performance to ensure that we are in contention to win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship,” he said. “We know where we went wrong last week and what we must fix, and we’ll leave no stone unturned to fix those errors.”
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