Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick has explained the late changes that reshuffled the starting XV ahead of Saturday's second Test against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium in Cape Town.
Handré Pollard has been ruled out with a calf injury, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu moving into the No.10 jersey and Manie Libbok slotting onto the bench. Stick described Pollard's withdrawal as a significant loss, noting the flyhalf was visibly emotional when he informed the coaching staff he was not right to play.
"For a leader like him, to be honest about how he feels and lose his pride, in the sense of, 'Listen, I'm not feeling well' — I could see he was going through tears," Stick said.
On the wing, Cheslin Kolbe comes into the starting XV in place of Kurt-Lee Arendse. Both players had sustained injuries during the 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park and were subsequently declared fit. Stick explained that the original selection of Arendse was based on Monday's medical reports, when Kolbe's assessment was not yet finalised. Once Kolbe completed a full training session that day, the coaches moved to replace Arendse in the starting side.
"It's not nice for Kurt-Lee because he probably would have had the opportunity," Stick said, adding that Kolbe was ultimately considered the better option for this specific match.
Kolbe's value as a goal-kicking cover — he contributed a conversion and three penalties in the first Test before going off with hamstring and ankle injuries — is understood to be a factor in the decision.