Springboks announce squad changes for second Test against All Blacks

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named his squad for the second Test against the All Blacks in Cape Town, featuring the return of flyhalf Handre Pollard to the starting lineup. The team will see Pieter Steph du Toit earn his 100th Test cap and serve as captain, while prop Ox Nche will earn his 50th cap. Other key changes include Cobus Reinach starting at scrumhalf and Ethan Hooker replacing the injured Cheslin Kolbe on the wing. Captain Siya Kolisi has been bracketed with Paul de Villiers pending fitness tests on his hamstring; if cleared, Kolisi will start. Deon Fourie returns to the match day squad for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final.

Erasmus addressed the 33 to 16 loss in the first Test, noting that the team is frustrated and has identified areas for improvement. He admitted to making wrong tactical calls, specifically regarding the decision to keep scrumming instead of taking three points during key entries into the New Zealand 22. He also noted that the All Blacks were effective at disrupting the breakdown.

Reporting on the coach's mindset differed by political lean. The center left source framed Erasmus as showing steely resolve and deep introspection, emphasizing his willingness to carry the blame for the first Test loss. In contrast, the center right source focused more on the technical aspects of the squad selection and the historical experience of the team, framing the situation as a standard regrouping process to fix specific areas of the game.