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Only one backline survivor as Springboks swing selection axe

Siya Kolisi returns as captain with an almost entirely new backline as South Africa aims to rebound from defeat and secure the Freedom Cup in a crucial Rugby Championship test.

  • On Saturday, 13 September, Siya Kolisi will captain the Springboks at Sky Stadium, Wellington, reclaiming the armband from Jesse Kriel for the 64th time.
  • After the Eden Park defeat, Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus overhauled the backline, retaining only Cheslin Kolbe, to keep hopes of retaining the Freedom Cup alive.
  • Selection changes see Damian Willemse at 12 and Aphelele Fassi at fullback while Canan Moodie moves to outside centre and Ethan Hooker starts on the wing; Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu form a new half-back pairing, Lood de Jager replaces Eben Etzebeth at lock, Jasper Wiese returns at No 8, and Siya Kolisi reverts to flanker.
  • New Zealand All Blacks lead the Rugby Championship with 10 points, and Rassie Erasmus said, `We need a top-class performance to ensure that we are in contention to win the Rugby Championship`.
  • Erasmus says the selections aim to build squad depth by blooding youngsters with seniors, testing them under pressure against the All Blacks in New Zealand's home field.
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Kolisi back as captain in a reshuffled Springboks lineup for the return test against New Zealand

Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has selected new halves and midfield partnerships among seven changes to his starting lineup for the return Rugby Championship test against New Zealand.

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IOL broke the news in South Africa on Monday, September 8, 2025.
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