Rassie calls on experience for second RGR Test

August 24, 2026 7

Springbok coach, Rassie Erasmus, has named an experienced side for Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town.

The changes to the side that lost 33-16 in the first Test at Ellis Park on Saturday, will see Handré Pollard come in at flyhalf, partnering Cobus Reinach at scrumhalf.

Ethan Hooker has also been included on the wing in place of the injured, Cheslin Kolbe.

Siya Kolisi has been bracketed with Paul de Villiers, with a decision on his availability to depend on how the veteran skipper comes through training this week.

On the bench, Erasmus has opted for greater experience, with Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit replacing Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Zachary Porthen. Lood de Jager also comes in for Cobus Wiese.

Pieter-Steph du Toit retains captaincy, while Cameron Hanekom, replaces Marco van Staden in the squad.

Morné van den Berg is also included on the bench, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu takes over from Manie Libbok as an impact player. Grant Williams, who started at scrumhalf last weekend, is carrying a niggle.

Du Toit will earn his 100th Test cap, becoming the 11th Springbok to reach the milestone, while Ox Nche is set to play his 50th Test.

“Cheslin and Grant (Williams) suffered niggles last weekend, which ruled them out of contention for selection, while we have bracketed Siya alongside Paul to allow us time to monitor how Siya comes through training this week,” Erasmus said.

“The changes we made are in line with what we want to achieve on the field this week, and it is valuable that almost all of the players have been involved in the last two games, so they will be able to cope with the intensity and physicality of this match.”

Springbok team for second Test:

Damian Willemse, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Ethan Hooker, Handre Pollard, Cobus Reinach, Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit (capt), Siya Kolisi/Paul de Villiers, Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.

Bench:

Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.

Test week two and the #Springboks have announced their team for Saturday, with Pieter-Steph du Toit and Ox Nche in line for special milestones – more here: https://t.co/jJlin44xCq 👊#ForeverGreenForeverGold #RugbysGreatestRivalry pic.twitter.com/OM2WhIQxPK

— Springboks (@Springboks) August 24, 2026