New Faces and Familiar Leader as Boks Face Georgia in Nelspruit

(The Post News)– It’s a mix of new blood and seasoned power for the Springboks’ final Castle Lager Incoming Series clash this Saturday in Nelspruit, with three players set to make their Test debuts and Siya Kolisi making his long-awaited return as captain.

Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Neethling Fouche will all earn their first Test caps when the Boks take on Georgia at Mbombela Stadium (17:10 kick-off). The trio forms an entirely fresh front row, having impressed coaches in training and, in the case of Van der Merwe and Fouche, against the Barbarians last month.

Kolisi is back in the green and gold for the first time this season after recovering from minor injuries. He’ll line up alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Cobus Wiese in a dynamic loose trio.

Only five players from last week’s 45–0 win over Italy keep their starting spots, as coach Rassie Erasmus continues to test combinations and build squad depth ahead of the Rugby Championship.

Erasmus called the match an opportunity to reward experienced players in form and prep, adding that Georgia’s physical style means the Boks will need to be sharp in all areas. With 15 World Cup winners in the match-day squad and a total of 46 players used so far this season, Saturday promises a strong finish to the series and a bold step toward 2025’s bigger challenges.