A reshaped backline will take the field, with Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starting at flyhalf and Cobus Reinach wearing the number nine jersey to form the halfback pairing. Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie will patrol the midfield, while Cheslin Kolbe and Ethan Hooker take the wings, and Aphelele Fassi will marshal the last line of defence.

Up front, Jasper Wiese returns from suspension to start at number eight, while Siya Kolisi shifts back to flank and will once again captain the side. Eben Etzebeth has been omitted, paving the way for former Cheetahs lock Lood de Jager to start in the second row alongside Ruan Nortjé.

Cobus Reinach. Photo: Morgan Piek

The starting front row remains unchanged from the 24-17 defeat at Eden Park, with Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nché retained. On the bench, Marnus van der Merwe returns as cover at hooker, while RG Snyman, Manie Libbok, and André Esterhuizen have also earned spots.

Erasmus believes this is an exciting line-up capable of thriving in the wet conditions expected in New Zealand’s capital on Saturday.

“This is an exciting team, which we believe will give us the forward power we need and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side.” 

“We’ve maintained a degree of consistency in selection over the past few matches, but beyond that, we want to see what some of these players can do against the world’s top-ranked team.

“This is a vital Test for our Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel fresh legs and energy will be key to getting the result we’re after.”

He said the players are fully aware of the coach’s confidence in them and believe this team can deliver.

Lood de Jager. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Every player in this squad knows we believe in them, and this is a great opportunity for them to show what they’re capable of against a side like the All Blacks.

“They’ve all delivered for us against top teams in the past, and we know they’ll relish this chance to play New Zealand on their home turf.”

Saturday’s Test at the iconic Cake Tin kicks off at 9:05.

All Blacks –TBA

Springboks – 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nché

Replacements – 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 André Esterhuizen

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg