Siya’s Back: Kolisi Returns to Captain the Boks with Three Fresh Faces in the Front Row

Springbok fans can breathe easy; Siya Kolisi is back in the driver’s seat. And this time, he’s steering a bold new-look side into battle.

When the national anthem rings out across Nelspruit this Saturday, it won’t just be business as usual for the Springboks. It’ll be a statement. A returning captain, three fresh debutants, and a squad that’s been shaken up with strategic intent all point to one thing: Rassie Erasmus is playing the long game.

Captain Fantastic Returns

After sitting out the start of the 2025 season due to injury, double World Cup-winning skipper Siya Kolisi makes his long-awaited return. He’ll lead the side once again, this time from the flanks, flanked by fellow powerhouse Pieter-Steph du Toit and rising talent Cobus Wiese in a physically stacked loose trio.

Kolisi’s return isn’t just symbolic; it’s tactical. With Georgia known for their scrappy, physically confrontational style, having Kolisi’s poise and punch back on the field could be the edge the Boks need.

New Blood, New Energy

The biggest talking point, however, lies up front. Three newcomers, Boan Venter, Neethling Fouché, and Marnus van der Merwe, have been called up to start in an all-new front row. Venter joined the squad in June as injury cover, while Fouché and Van der Merwe impressed in an unofficial outing against the Barbarians. This will be their first official cap in the green and gold.

Coach Rassie Erasmus was clear about the reasoning: “Building squad depth has been one of our pillars since 2018. These guys are ready.”

South African rugby Twitter seems to agree, with fans calling the trio “the new breed” and praising Erasmus for showing trust in fresh talent. One tweet read, “Rassie’s building not just for today, but for 2027. Love it.”

Image 1: MSN

Familiar Firepower in the Backline

Despite the overhaul, there are solid returnees to anchor the side. Five players from last week’s 45–0 thrashing of Italy have retained their starting positions, including Edwill van der Merwe, who dazzled with two tries in Gqeberha. He’ll form an electric back three alongside Aphelele Fassi and Kurt-Lee Arendse.

At centre, Canan Moodie links up with Damian de Allende, while Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will take charge at halfback.

What’s at Stake?

Although South Africa last played Georgia in 2021 and won comfortably, Erasmus isn’t taking anything for granted. “Georgia prides themselves on physicality and brute force,” he said. “The set pieces, mauls, and breakdowns will be key.”

It’s more than just a warm-up fixture. With the Rugby Championship and long-term squad planning in mind, Saturday is a proving ground. Erasmus’ five-three split on the bench, stacked with the likes of Faf de Klerk, Handré Pollard, and RG Snyman, also hints that the Boks are aiming to test combinations while keeping serious firepower in reserve.

Match Day Details

Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit
Kick-off: 17:10 (SAST), Saturday
Anticipated crowd: Upwards of 40,000
Live broadcast: SABC Sport & SuperSport Rugby

As the Springboks prepare to run out under the Lowveld sun, this is more than just another Test. It’s a moment of rebirth for a captain, for new faces, and for the team’s bigger vision.

Also read: ‘We Showed Our Quality’: Desiree Ellis Lauds Banyana’s Ruthless Win Over Mali

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Source: SABC Sport

Featured Image: BokSquad