Cheslin Kolbe and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu have been drafted into the Springbok starting XV for Saturday's second Rugby's Greatest Rivalry Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town, with Handré Pollard ruled out through a hamstring injury.
Kolbe, who left the field during the second half of the 33-16 first Test defeat in Johannesburg with what was initially described as cramp before an ankle injury was confirmed, has been cleared to play. He replaces Kurt-Lee Arendse, who drops out of the matchday squad entirely after being removed for an HIA assessment in the first Test. Erasmus had flagged at Monday's team announcement that Kolbe remained in contention should he recover in time.
Pollard's hamstring injury became known on Thursday before being officially confirmed on Friday morning. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who started at flyhalf at Ellis Park last week, retains the No 10 jersey, with Manie Libbok moving onto the bench as the sole specialist outside back cover in the 23.
Also notable is the halfback change, with Cobus Reinach coming in for Grant Williams — officially due to injury, though Williams' below-par performance and service at Ellis Park had already put his place under pressure. Reinach and Feinberg-Mngomezulu have a well-established combination through both Test rugby and Stormers duty, and will be familiar with the DHL Newlands surrounds.
Ethan Hooker keeps his place on the other wing. His physicality, aerial ability and defensive organisation address some of the vulnerabilities exposed last week, and his experience across both centre positions provides positional cover that helps guard against a repeat of the injury-driven reshuffling that disrupted the Boks' defensive structure in Johannesburg.
With Feinberg-Mngomezulu now starting rather than providing impact off the bench, the Boks carry less versatility in their 23, but gain a more potent attacking combination in the run-on XV.