DailySun
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has introduced a new-look backline ahead of the second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday, featuring Ethan Hooker set to wear the prestigious green and gold jersey for his debut starting game.
The fourth round of the Rugby Championship at Sky Stadium will determine which team takes home the Freedom Cup.
Erasmus has implemented seven changes in his starting XV, retaining 16 players from the squad that faced a 24-17 defeat to the All Blacks in Auckland last week.
The Bok coach has reconfigured his backline, pairing Cobus Reinach with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at halfback, while Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie will fill the midfield. Hooker and Cheslin Kolbe will take the wings, with Aphelele Fassi positioned at fullback, and Siya Kolisi remaining as captain.
In the forward pack, Kolisi returns at flanker next to Pieter-Steph du Toit, and No 8 Jasper Wiese makes his comeback after serving a four-match suspension since his last appearance against Italy in the Castle Lager Incoming Series.
The only adjustment in the forwards occurs at lock, where Lood de Jager will team up with Ruan Nortje, while the front row remains unchanged with props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit, along with hooker Malcolm Marx.
Erasmus has named a blend of five forwards and three backs for the substitutes’ bench, featuring Marnus van der Merwe (hooker), Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw (props), RG Snyman (lock), and Kwagga Smith (loose forward) for added depth. The backs include halfbacks Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, and centre Andre Esterhuizen.
“This is an exciting team that we believe will provide the necessary forward momentum and strengthen our backline against a formidable All Blacks side,” Erasmus remarked.
“We have largely maintained consistency in our selections over recent matches. However, apart from wanting to assess what certain players can contribute to our attack, we are eager to witness how others perform against the world’s top-ranked team.”
“This match is crucial for our Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel it is essential to inject fresh energy to achieve the desired outcome.”
Erasmus added: “Every player in this squad is aware of our trust in them, and this offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase their skills against a team like the All Blacks.”
“Each player has made significant contributions against elite teams this year and in past years, and we are confident they will seize this opportunity to challenge New Zealand on their home turf.”
The Bok coach expects another thrilling encounter against their rivals: “Both teams will be ready for the challenge this week after experiencing heavy rain at times in Auckland. Following our less-than-satisfactory start in the previous match, we understand the need to enhance our overall effectiveness and deliver a performance we can all be proud of.
“We require a high-level performance to solidify our place in the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.”
“We acknowledge the mistakes from last week and know what needs improvement, and we are committed to addressing those issues. It’s clear that delivering a complete 80-minute performance is key to our success, and we are focused on making that happen.”
The match is scheduled to kick off at 09h05 (SA time) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok team set to face the All Blacks in Wellington:
15 Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 14 caps, 35 points (7t)
14 Cheslin Kolbe (Tokyo Sungoliath) – 43 caps, 111 points (18t, 3c, 5p)
13 Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 17 caps, 40 pts (8t)
12 Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 42 caps, 61 points (5t, 9c, 4p, 2 dg)
11 Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 2 caps, 0 points
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 12 caps, 58 points (17c, 8p)
9 Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 43 caps, 75 pts (15t)
8 Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 36 caps, 10 points (2t)
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 90 caps, 60 pts (12t)
6 Siya Kolisi (captain, Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 95 caps, 65 points (13t)
5 Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 10 caps, 0 pts
4 Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 70 caps, 25 points (5t)
3 Thomas du Toit (Bath) – 27 caps, 5 pts (1t)
2 Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 81 caps, 120 pts (24t)
1 Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 44 caps, 0 pts
Replacements:
16 Marnus van der Merwe (Scarlets) – 2 caps, 10 points (2t)
17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 10 pts (2t)
18 Wilco Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 21 caps, 0 pts
19 RG Snyman (Leinster) – 43 caps, 10 points (2t)
20 Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 56 caps, 50 points (10t)
21 Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 22 caps, 25 pts (5t)
22 Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners) – 21 caps, 115 pts (1t, 37c, 12p)
23 Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 22 caps, 5 pts (1t)
