For the rematch against New Zealand (this Saturday at 5pm), a week after their 31-27 victory, South Africa will be with a team that is half-renewed. The world champions’ coach, Rassie Erasmus, has made seven changes, notably starting Handre Pollard at fly-half and Willie Le Roux at full-back.
Captain Siya Kolisi, who was injured in the face last Saturday, will hold his place. “Siya had two options because it is a broken nose. He could either have it reattached now, and be out for three weeks, or have it done in two weeks, which is what he chose.”revealed Erasmus.
126th selection for Etzebeth
On the wings, Kurt-Lee Arendse (concussion) and Makazole Mapimpi (his wife is due to give birth) are out and replaced by Canan Moodie and Cheslin Kolbe. Grant Williams will start at scrum-half, swapping places on the bench with Jaden Hendrikse.
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Eben Etzebeth starts in the second row for his 126the selection, Pieter-Steph du Toit dropping down a notch in the pack to return to his flanker position.
The starting XV : 15-Willie le Roux, 14-Canan Moodie, 13-Jesse Kriel, 12-Damian de Allende, 11-Cheslin Kolbe, 10-Handre Pollard, 9-Grant Williams, 8-Jasper Wiese, 7-Pieter-Steph du Toit , 6-Siya Kolisi (captain), 5-Ruan Nortje, 4-Eben Etzebeth, 3-Frans Malherbe, 2-Bongi Mbonambi, 1-Ox Nche
Replacements : 16-Malcolm Marx, 17-Gerhard Steenekamp, 18-Vincent Koch, 19-Kwagga Smith, 20-Elrigh Louw, 21-Jaden Hendrikse, 22-Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23-Lukhanyo Am.
