Rassie Erasmus has turned to experience for the Springboks' second Test against the All Blacks on Saturday, recalling Siya Kolisi and Handré Pollard among eight changes to the match-day 23 following the 16-33 defeat at Ellis Park.
Kolisi's return is subject to a late fitness test, but the captain is pencilled in to lead the side in Cape Town alongside Pollard, who replaces Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half. Thomas du Toit and Lood de Jager also come into the squad, all four players having been rested for the series opener despite questions over their omissions at the time.
The reshuffle marks a shift in approach from Erasmus, who had indicated plans to manage a 44-man squad across four consecutive fixtures. The loss in Johannesburg, coupled with an injury to Cheslin Kolbe, has forced a recalibration. Pollard's inclusion addresses the goal-kicking void left by Kolbe, who converted all four attempts last week, while his game management at No.10 offers a different dimension to the backline.
Du Toit milestone amid squad overhaul
Pieter-Steph du Toit will become the latest Springbok centurion on Saturday, earning his 100th cap at his home ground. The occasion follows Damian de Allende's milestone in Johannesburg and offers a moment of celebration amid the pressure of a must-win fixture. Du Toit debuted in 2013 and has overcome a catalogue of serious injuries, including acute compartment syndrome in 2020 that left him hospitalised for 12 days with an open wound in his thigh.
The selections suggest Erasmus has abandoned the rotation strategy that underpinned his pre-series planning. Whether the Cape Town line-up was always intended or represents a reaction to the Ellis Park result remains unclear, but the inclusion of multiple World Cup-winning veterans signals a recognition of the stakes. One more defeat would leave the Boks facing a series deficit with two matches remaining.
The changes also reflect the reality of managing a condensed schedule against the All Blacks. Erasmus had framed the series as four World Cup finals, yet the luxury of experimentation has evaporated after one loss. Saturday's Test will reveal whether the return of Kolisi, Pollard and De Jager can restore the authority that deserted the Boks in Johannesburg.