Rassie Erasmus Names New-Look Springbok Backline For Second All Black Test
Rassie Erasmus Names New-Look Springbok Backline For Second All Black Test
Rassie Erasmus reshuffles the Springbok backline for the second All Black Test in Wellington, with Ethan Hooker handed his first start on the wing.
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has rolled the dice ahead of a pivotal Rugby Championship clash, naming a reshaped backline for Saturday’s showdown with the All Blacks in Wellington.
The Test, staged at Sky Stadium, doubles as a decider for the Freedom Cup and could prove decisive in determining the momentum of this year’s tournament. South Africa trail New Zealand after a 24-17 defeat in Auckland last week, and Erasmus has turned to fresh combinations in search of greater attacking spark.
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The headline change sees Ethan Hooker earn his first start on the wing, joining Cheslin Kolbe in a new-look back three that also includes Aphelele Fassi at fullback. In the midfield, Canan Moodie partners Damian Willemse, while the halfback pairing of Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu adds a fresh dynamic.
Erasmus explained his thinking, noting both the need for forward dominance and creativity behind the scrum. “This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require, and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side,” he said.
The forward pack remains largely intact, with only one change from last week’s contest. Lood de Jager returns to the second row alongside Ruan Nortje, while the back row features captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and the recalled Jasper Wiese, who makes his return after a four-match suspension. The front row of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Thomas du Toit remains unchanged.
On the bench, Erasmus has again gone for a 5–3 split, with Marnus van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, and Kwagga Smith covering the forwards, while Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen provide backline reinforcements.
Erasmus emphasised the importance of raising standards after a disappointing start last weekend in Auckland. “We know where we went wrong last week and what we must fix. There’s no doubt that we have to deliver a proper 80-minute performance to do well, and we will give everything to achieve that,” he said.
The Springboks carry a 38.6% win record against the All Blacks, having won 42 of their 109 meetings, with four draws. Their last outing at Sky Stadium, in 2019, ended in a 16-16 stalemate. A victory on Saturday would ensure South Africa retains the Freedom Cup, last secured in 2023 after a 14-year drought.
Kolisi, captaining the side for the 64th time, will earn his 96th cap, moving closer to becoming the ninth Springbok centurion. Wiese’s return adds further steel to a pack that has 453 collective caps, while the starting line-up as a whole boasts 626.
The Test kicks off at 02.05 am CST and will be broadcast live on FloRugby.
Springbok team to face New Zealand
1 Ox Nche
2 Malcolm Marx
3 Thomas du Toit
4 Lood de Jager
5 Ruan Nortje
6 Siya Kolisi (captain)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
8 Jasper Wiese
9 Cobus Reinach
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
11 Ethan Hooker
12 Damian Willemse
13 Canan Moodie
14 Cheslin Kolbe
15 Aphelele Fassi
Replacements
16 Marnus van der Merwe
17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
18 Wilco Louw
19 RG Snyman
20 Kwagga Smith
21 Grant Williams
22 Manie Libbok
23 Andre Esterhuizen
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