Kriel Leads Springboks in Cape Town Showdown Against Wallabies

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Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a new-look side for South Africa’s second Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash against Australia at DHL Stadium on Saturday, making 10 changes to the starting XV.

Jesse Kriel will once again lead the team, supported by the return of Cheslin Kolbe, Damian de Allende, and Willie le Roux.

Fresh Faces and Key Returns

Loosehead Ox Nche, retained from last week’s 38–22 defeat in Johannesburg, has been appointed vice-captain for the first time in his Test career. Alongside him, only Malcolm Marx, Marco van Staden, Grant Williams, and Kriel remain in the starting line-up, as Erasmus injects fresh energy across the squad.

“We lost four players to injury last weekend, which obviously had an impact on selections,” explained Erasmus. “But we also know where we went wrong against Australia, so we made changes we believe will give us what we need for this game.”

Injury Setbacks and New Combinations

The Boks will be without Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Edwill van der Merwe, who all miss out due to injury. In their place, Thomas du Toit starts at tighthead, RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje form a fresh lock pairing, and the loose trio features Van Staden, Franco Mostert, and Jean-Luc du Preez.

In the backline, Kriel and De Allende rekindle their 38th Test partnership in midfield, with Handré Pollard returning at flyhalf alongside Williams. Kolbe and Canan Moodie take the wings, while centurion Willie le Roux starts at fullback.

“Damian and Cheslin have recovered from injury, and with their experience against the Wallabies, it was a logical choice to recall them,” Erasmus said.

Bench Power and Motivation

Erasmus has opted for a 6–2 split on the bench, prioritising forward impact. “We are pleased with this squad, and we are aligned on what we have to do to lift our standards,” he added.

Reflecting on last week’s loss, Erasmus was blunt:

“We let ourselves and the country down, so we have all the motivation we need to put things right. This match is essential for getting our campaign back on track.”

Match Details

Kick-off: 17:10 (CAT)
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
Broadcast: SuperSport

Springbok Team to Face Australia (Cape Town)

Starting XV
15 Willie le Roux; 14 Canan Moodie; 13 Jesse Kriel (c); 12 Damian de Allende; 11 Cheslin Kolbe; 10 Handré Pollard; 9 Grant Williams;
8 Jean-Luc du Preez; 7 Franco Mostert; 6 Marco van Staden; 5 Ruan Nortje; 4 RG Snyman; 3 Thomas du Toit; 2 Malcolm Marx; 1 Ox Nche (vc).

Replacements
16 Marnus van der Merwe; 17 Boan Venter; 18 Wilco Louw; 19 Eben Etzebeth; 20 Lood de Jager; 21 Kwagga Smith; 22 Cobus Reinach; 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.