Rassie brings back Kolisi and Erasmus to play for springboks. Image: Bok Rugby.
(The Post News)– Erasmus made three changes to the replacements bench, now consisting of five forwards and three backs.
These adjustments include the return of South Africa’s most capped player, Eben Etzebeth, who reclaims his spot in the starting XV. He will partner Ruan Nortje in the second row, marking his 136th Test appearance. In the loose trio, Siya Kolisi returns from a minor injury and will start at No. 8 for just the second time in his career. Pieter-Steph du Toit also comes back into the starting lineup, slotting in at flank.
The backline sees only one change: Willie le Roux returns at fullback for his 101st Test, having missed the previous match against the Wallabies due to a niggle. On the bench, Jan-Hendrik Wessels replaces Marnus van der Merwe at hooker. Kwagga Smith drops to the bench, filling the vacancy left by Etzebeth’s promotion. Utility back Ethan Hooker earns his second Test cap, taking over from André Esterhuizen.
Erasmus has retained a settled core, with 17 players from the Cape Town victory over the Wallabies maintaining their places in the squad. “We’ve picked the strongest possible team for what promises to be a massive battle against the All Blacks at Eden Park,” Erasmus said. “Many of these players have stepped up for us in the past against New Zealand.”
Erasmus Acknowledges Intensity of the Match
He acknowledged the unique challenge this match presents. “Facing the All Blacks in New Zealand—especially at Eden Park, where they’ve built an incredible record—is a completely different prospect compared to recent encounters,” he added. “But we’ve worked hard to fine-tune our game since arriving in Auckland, and now it’s up to us to execute and produce a performance we can be proud of. This test carries major significance. South Africa is aiming for a fifth consecutive victory over the All Blacks and a first win at Eden Park since 1937. The Freedom Cup is also at stake.
“The history and rivalry between these two sides speaks volumes,” Erasmus noted. “With so much on the line—records, standings, and momentum—it’s bound to be a fiercely contested match. He also explained Kolisi’s late inclusion: “Siya was touch-and-go earlier in the week after picking up a niggle a few weeks ago. We didn’t want to risk him unnecessarily. But when Jean-Luc du Preez picked up a knock at training, Siya became the obvious choice at No. 8,” Erasmus concluded.
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