Springboks Make Late Changes for Second Test Against All Blacks

Team Changes

South Africa's rugby team, the Springboks, has made several changes to their lineup for the second Test against New Zealand, scheduled for Saturday in Cape Town. Fly-half Handre Pollard has been ruled out due to a calf injury, and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has been dropped to the bench.

According to Springboks assistant coach Mzwandile Stick, Pollard suffered the injury during a training session on Wednesday. Stick revealed that Pollard was seen in tears after the incident, emphasizing the emotional toll of the injury. Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who started the first Test, will now be on the bench, with Manie Libbok returning to the replacements.

In addition to Pollard's injury, Cheslin Kolbe has been named to start on the wing, replacing Kurt-Lee Arendse. Both players sustained knocks during the first Test, but Kolbe has since recovered and is fit to play.

Front Row Shuffle

Coach Rassie Erasmus has also made changes to the Springboks' front row. Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie, and Thomas du Toit will start the match, while Ox Nché, Malcolm Marx, and Wilco Louw move to the bench.

Erasmus explained that the changes were made to address the team's performance and to freshen up the lineup. The Springboks are looking to bounce back after a 33-16 defeat in the first Test in Johannesburg.

The head coach stated, 'There were a handful of positives and negatives last week, but the main thing that let us down was that we created so many chances, but mistakes at crucial times cost us. We’ll put in a lot of work this week to ensure that we are sharp in that regard this weekend.'

All Blacks Lineup

The All Blacks, under new coach Dave Rennie, are also considering changes to their lineup. Richie Mo'unga, who was a first-choice stand-off during the 2023 Rugby World Cup, is set to return to the Test arena. Mo'unga will start at 10 in Tuesday's match against the Johannesburg-based provincial side the Lions.

Mo'unga, who has been playing club rugby in Japan, has signed for Canterbury and the Crusaders, which has paved the way for his return to international rugby. His determination to return to the All Blacks was fueled by watching a Six Nations match in a Japanese karaoke bar last year.