Springboks shake up team with two late changes for New Zealand test
Springboks make two changes for second test against New Zealand
South Africa have made two changes to their starting XV for Saturday’s second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu replacing the injured Handre Pollard and Cheslin Kolbe returning on the wing in place of Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu featured in last weekend’s 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks in Johannesburg but started that match on the bench as experienced fly-half Pollard was preferred.
However, Pollard has now been ruled out after suffering a calf strain, allowing Feinberg-Mngomezulu to return to the starting lineup. Manie Libbok has been added to the replacements.
There is also a change on the wing, with Cheslin Kolbe declared fit to play after initially missing the team announced on Monday. Kolbe was forced off during the first Test after taking a knock, but has recovered sufficiently to feature in Cape Town.
Kurt-Lee Arendse, meanwhile, drops out of the match-day squad altogether.
All Blacks Seek Another Victory
The All Blacks are on their first full tour of South Africa since 1996, with the four-Test series being billed as rugby’s “Greatest Rivalry.”
With the series also carrying major implications for the World Rugby world rankings, both teams will be eager to claim another victory.
Saturday’s encounter in Cape Town is the second of four Tests between the rivals. The teams will meet again in Johannesburg the following weekend before the series concludes with a match in Baltimore, United States.
South Africa Team
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.
With Pollard unavailable and Kolbe returning to the starting XV, South Africa will hope the two changes can help them respond after their disappointing opening-Test defeat.
The Springboks will be looking to level the series in front of their home crowd, while New Zealand will aim to build on their impressive 33-16 victory in Johannesburg.
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