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Du Toit to captain Boks against All Blacks as Kolisi sits out Ellis Park opener

Pieter-Steph du Toit captains the Springboks against the All Blacks at Ellis Park on Saturday after Rassie Erasmus took a precautionary call to rest a hamstring-troubled Siya Kolisi ahead of the four-Test Rugby Championship series against New Zealand.

Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks in Saturday's Rugby Championship opener against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, with Siya Kolisi ruled out due to a hamstring injury.

Rassie Erasmus confirmed the decision is precautionary, noting that Kolisi trained well during the week and is not unfit, but that the coaching staff opted against risking him with three further Tests against New Zealand still to come.

"We are playing four Tests against the All Blacks and Pieter has been playing well, so we are excited to give him a chance this weekend in what will be his first Test match as captain against New Zealand, while taking a precautionary approach to Siya's return," Erasmus said.

It will be Du Toit's first time captaining the Boks against the All Blacks. Erasmus is anticipating a demanding contest, describing New Zealand as "a quality team" who are "very well coached" and bracing for "an 80-minute grind."

South Africa head into the match having won five of their last six Tests against New Zealand.

Sources

TimesLIVE Rugbyhttps://www.timeslive.co.za/sport/rugby/2026-08-21-poll-will-the-boks-miss-siya-kolisi-during-crucial-test-against-the-all-blacks/

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