Johannesburg — South Africa recalled Jasper Wiese as one of nine changes but retained Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half for the Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday.
A back injury ruled veteran lock Eben Etzebeth out of the rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final which the Springboks won 12-11.
Coach Rassie Erasmus changed nine of the side that started a 30-12 victory over Australia in Perth – an anticipated move as he rested many first choices for that match.
That bonus-point win lifted South Africa to 10 points in the annual southern hemisphere competition, a five-point lead over second-placed arch rivals New Zealand after two rounds.
Ahead of the team announcement, most interest centred on who would start at fly-half with Feinberg-Mngomezulu competing against vastly more experienced Handre Pollard.
🇿🇦 Rassie Erasmus says it would be ‘stupid’ not to play Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu against the All Blacks.
🗣️ ‘Let him make some mistakes and learn.’ #RugbyChampionship #RSAvNZL pic.twitter.com/qOXwwzLvLI
— Jared Wright (@jaredwright17) August 27, 2024
Erasmus opted to give the 22-year-old, who debuted against Wales in London two months ago, the nod with double World Cup winner Pollard on the bench.
Pollard is renowned for his goal kicking; his four penalties won the 2023 World Cup final. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is more adventurous with ball in hand.
There was also speculation around the No. 8. Evan Ross, Kwagga Smith and Elrigh Louw have all started twice this season while Wiese served a six-match ban.
Even though Wiese has not played since May, the formidable ball carrier was selected as Erasmus seeks a long-term successor to retired Duane Vermeulen.
Louw and Smith are among the replacements in a six forwards-two backs split, but there is no specialist lock among those who will sit on the bench for the sold-out Test at Ellis Park.
Etzebeth, who needs to play four more internationals to become the most capped Springbok with 128 Test appearances, joins a long list of unavailable second-row forwards.
Erasmus has moved star flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit to lock – his former position – where he will partner inexperienced Ruan Nortje.
“We are pleased with the way Ruan stood his (ground) in our last match and are confident that he will combine well with Pieter-Steph at lock,” said Erasmus.
“This will serve as a fantastic opportunity for him to prove what he can do against one of the best teams in the world.”
Team (15-1)
Aphelele Fassi; Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Cobus Reinach; Jasper Wiese, Ben-Jason Dixon, Siya Kolisi (capt); Ruan Nortje, Pieter-Steph du Toit; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche
Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Kwagga Smith, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard
Coach: Rassie Erasmus (RSA)
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Source: AFP
Picture: X/@BraMahlatse
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