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Following last week's failed attempt by the Springboks to break the All Blacks record at Eden Park, Rassie Erasmus sprung a surprise by announcing his team for the second test in Wellington very early, with the new-look team comprising a number of younger players and in key positions.
However, the All Blacks will cap their 9th debutant this season and field a team with less experience, as both sides keep the Rugby World Cup in 2027 in their sights.
48,000 were in attendance for the sold-out 24-17 defence of the fortress in Auckland, and Wellington will be another sellout this weekend. It's more than likely going to be another tight game as South Africa need the win to keep their title defence alive, while for New Zealand, it's a chance to get two in a row over the Boks, but both sides are licking their wounds.
The match at Eden Park saw the biggest viewing audience since the 2023 Rugby World Cup final between the two rivals. This second test will also determine which team claims the Freedom Cup. Should the Springboks win, they will retain the trophy, which they won for the first time last year since 2009.
Wellington has also been a happier hunting ground for visiting teams, and the Boks drew there in 2019 (16-16) and won the previous match 36-34.
Among the many changes announced by Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus, Siya Kolisi returns to captain the side, but stalwarts such as Jesse Kriel, Willie Le Roux, and Eben Etzebeth don't even feature in the matchday 23.
Ethan Hooker will earn his first start on the right wing and is one of seven personnel changes to the SA starting XV. The starting lineup sees a very different backline; Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu pair up at halfback, Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie are the centre combination and Hooker and Cheslin Kolbe are on the wings, with Aphelele Fassi starting at fullback.
There is much to like, but it's a definite nod to the future and possible starting lineup in Australia at the Rugby World Cup 2027. Not that it usually matters, but with the RWC 2027 pool draw in a few months' time, if the Boks win, they will return to the World Rugby number 1 spot, and a draw will see them climb from third to second behind the All Blacks. If the hosts lose, they will drop to second or third, depending on the margin of the loss.
Erasmus said, “This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require, and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side.
This is a vital match for our Castle Lager Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel some fresh legs and energy are what we need to come away with the desired result.
Among the pack, No 8 Jasper Wiese makes his first appearance since facing Italy in the Castle Lager Incoming Series after serving his four-match suspension - but there seems consensus that a true replacement for Duane Vermeulen has yet to be found. The latter is part of the coaching setup now in a Mobi-Unit role and is with the team in New Zealand.
He commented, “The reality is that we have to look at the future as well. There are a whole lot of young players who have put up their hands, and we have to give them an opportunity to show what they can do because if we don’t, when are we going to give them the chance to prove what they can do in tough situations?
This is a great opportunity for them to work together and also for the coaches to see what they can do, and whether they are the right players to move forward with.”
In the second row, Lood de Jager and Ruan Nortje start, and the same front row of Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, and hooker Malcolm Marx take to the field.
Erasmus added, “Both teams will be up for the challenge this week after having to cope with heavy rain at times in Auckland, and after the disappointing performance we delivered in the opening stages of that match, we know we need to be much more effective in all departments this week and produce a performance both us and our supporters can be proud of.
Ethan Hooker said of starting, “It's absolutely huge for me. Last week showed the difference between the URC level and the international level. Everyone's really keen to get onto the pitch and express themselves, but I think combinations are working very well in training, and the guys are linking up well. We're not really feeling any pressure. We feel like we can express ourselves out there.”
For Scott Robertson, he is without centurion Codie Taylor and wing Emoni Narawa; they had also invited former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw into camp this week to inspire the team. Much has been made of the Boks rebuilding for the next RWC, but it's the All Blacks who, on paper, have more inexperienced test players in the team for Wellington.
Experienced sevens player Leroy Carter will make his debut on the left wing (their ninth debutant of 2025), Noah Hotham returns from injury to start at scrumhalf, and in total, there are 8 players in the matchday squad with fewer than 10 caps.
Robertson said, “It is an awesome opportunity to face South Africa in front of a sell-out home crowd for a second week in a row. Every test match has its own storyline and this one will be another passionate battle.
We are excited to inject Leroy into the backline this week and watch what he creates with his speed and skillset. He has trained hard and put himself into the position where he is ready to perform on Saturday night. It is a special occasion for him and his family.”
Quinn Tupaea said mid-week of the Boks selection, "They've got a few guys in their backline that play with confidence and like to move the ball around. But we're expecting a lot of the same. They use their kicking game well, with big forwards, and given the backline they've named, they might look to play a little more.
Rassie's [coach Erasmus] showing he's prepared to make changes and back his squad, so it's a good challenge for our group."
