Siya Kolisi Back in Bok Lineup as Erasmus Names Powerful Squad for Eden Park Showdown

The Springboks are heading into one of rugby’s most intimidating fortresses, Eden Park, with Siya Kolisi back in the starting lineup but without the captain’s armband.

Kolisi Returns, Kriel Leads

Rassie Erasmus revealed his squad for Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks and, as expected, leaned on his most experienced campaigners. Kolisi, who missed recent action with a niggle, has slotted in at No 8 in place of Jasper Wiese. Yet the leadership stays with Jesse Kriel, who retains the captaincy after steering the side against Australia in Cape Town.

Erasmus explained that Kriel had already been entrusted with the role before Kolisi was cleared to play, and it wouldn’t have been fair to strip him of the opportunity. “He’s a great leader, communicates well with referees, and leads by example,” Erasmus said. “It will be a proud moment for him to captain the Boks against the All Blacks for the first time.”

A Formidable Forward Pack

The loose trio looks formidable with Kolisi alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden. Eben Etzebeth, South Africa’s most capped player, returns to the second row to partner Ruan Nortje. Up front, Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx, and Thomas du Toit form an unchanged front row.

On the bench, Erasmus opted for a 5-3 split, bringing in Jan-Hendrik Wessels, while Kwagga Smith shifts back to the reserves and Ethan Hooker earns another chance as a utility back.

The Eden Park Challenge

For the Boks, Eden Park remains the mountain they haven’t climbed in nearly a century. South Africa last beat New Zealand there in 1937, while the All Blacks themselves have not lost at the Auckland stadium since 1994. That record alone adds an extra layer of intensity to an already fierce rivalry.

The Freedom Cup is also on the line, making this match more than just another round of the Rugby Championship. With the standings tight, both sides know victory in Auckland could shape the outcome of the competition.

Kickoff Time

The match kicks off on Saturday at 09h05 South African time, a breakfast-time showdown that promises to grip the nation. For fans, it’s more than just sport it’s a chance to watch the Springboks test themselves against history, against the All Blacks, and against the weight of expectation.

Springbok XV to face New Zealand:
Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Jesse Kriel (c), Damian de Allende, Canan Moodie, Handre Pollard, Grant Williams, Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth, Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, Ox Nche.

Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Boan Venter, Wilco Louw, Lood de Jager, Kwagga Smith, Cobus Reinach, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Ethan Hooker.

Source: SABC Sport 

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