South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has made sweeping changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s second Rugby Championship clash against Australia in Cape Town. The Rugby World Cup champions have made 10 changes as they look to bounce back from a stunning 38–22 defeat at Ellis Park, their first home loss to the Wallabies since 2011.
The reshuffle comes in the wake of injuries to skipper Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and both wingers from last weekend’s defeat. Veteran centre Jesse Kriel will captain the side in Kolisi’s absence, with prop Ox Nché serving as vice-captain.
Erasmus has brought back a host of experienced campaigners, including Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Willie le Roux, to strengthen the backline. Fly-half Handré Pollard also returns to the starting side, partnering Grant Williams in the halves.
Only five players survive from last weekend’s starting XV: Kriel, Nché, Malcolm Marx, Marco van Staden, and Williams. Kriel and de Allende will resume their long-standing midfield partnership for the 38th time in Test rugby.
Explaining his selections, Erasmus admitted both injuries and last weekend’s poor showing influenced his decisions:
“We also know where we went wrong against Australia last week, so we made a few changes that we believe will offer us what we need for this game. We are determined to get things right, and it will be good for a few other guys to experience playing against one of the top teams in the world, especially as we continue to build our squad depth.”
The coach acknowledged the sting of last weekend’s result but stressed that the squad remains united and motivated:
“We are still hurting from that result, and the coaches and players are extremely disappointed with the way we played last week. We let ourselves and the country down, so we have all the motivation we need to make things right.”
The Wallabies, who are also managing injuries in key positions, have confirmed their matchday 23.
South Africa: Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel (captain), Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams; Jean-Luc du Preez, Franco Mostert, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, R.G. Snyman, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche. Reserves: Marnus van der Merwe, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Eben Etzebeth, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.
English