Rassie Erasmus calls Siya Kolisi for the upcoming clash between the Springboks and All Blacks after a knee injury. Photo: SABC Sport
(The Post News) – The countdown to one of the biggest Test clashes of the season has begun, and the Springboks are primed to surprise as Siya Kolisi returns to the starting line-up at No.8 following a knee injury. Though coach Rassie Erasmus has opted to maintain Jesse Kriel as captain. As Erasmus explained. “Siya was touch and go for the match earlier in the week with Jean-Luc du Preez having picked up a niggle at training this week, Siya was the obvious choice to slot in at number eight.” This carefully measured call underscores a broader mindset of managing the squad’s physical state while preserving leadership stability
The Springboks are to face the All Blacks for The Rugby Championship in Eden Park, Auckland, on September 13, 2025. The announcement was delayed until the last minute to keep New Zealand guessing. It features four major changes to the starting XV and several tweaks to the bench. The tactical shake-up signals South Africa’s intent to fight fire with fire against its fiercest rivals.
Experience Returns Across the Park
Alongside Kolisi, veteran Willie le Roux returns at fullback, joining a back-three filled with aerial threat: Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie. Erasmus was clear about the contest’s scale. “What both teams bring off the bench is similar I think scrum times is going to be big for both teams in all areas of the game, it is going to be massively competitive.”
Tactical Withholding: Delayed Team Announcement
In a break from tradition, Erasmus intentionally delayed naming the matchday lineup until Thursday to keep their opponents guessing. He told press “We are not quite sure what team New Zealand will put out there maybe the best thing is that New Zealand also won’t be able to analyse us (due to not releasing the team as usual). So that’s the honest answer and why we are only naming the team on Thursday.”
Built for Battle
South Africa is deploying a muscle-and-mettle back-row with Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Marco van Staden. Replacements are balanced with a 5-3 split between forwards and backs. At flyhalf, Handré Pollard returns, supported by Grant Williams; and Damian de Allende lines up alongside Kriel in midfield.
Coach Erasmus on the All Blacks’ Strength
Erasmus paid respect to their hosts’ formidable form “For us, they’re the All Blacks, and they’ve lost one game this year, they have won eight out of their last 10 matches, and they’re number one in the world.” By acknowledging the All Blacks’ standing, the Boks reinforce the muster of respect that underlies their hunger to upset Eden Park’s status quo.
With Kolisi’s return, tactical bench depth, and a late-team announcement strategy, the Springboks are weaving together resilience, experience, and unpredictability. Eden Park may be steeped in All Blacks folklore but this week, it’s a Springbok mission to rewrite history.
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