Springboks make five changes ahead of second Test

CAPE TOWN - Rassie Erasmus has made five changes and two positional switches for the Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks in Cape Town on Saturday.

Canan Moodie was selected at right wing with Cheslin Kolbe moving from right wing to Kurt-Lee Arendse’s position at left wing. Arendse is out of the match due to a concussion. 

Grant Williams (scrumhalf) earns his first start of the season in partnership with Handre Pollard (flyhalf) who is promoted from the bench along with Eben Etzebeth (lock), while Willie le Roux and Moodie come straight into the XV.

WATCH: All Blacks make four changes for second Bok meeting

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi has been cleared to play despite concerns after suffering a cheek injury.

Moodie and Jaden Hendrikse played for the Springboks for the first time since the 2023 Rugby World Cup on Saturday. 

Springbok team:

Willie le Roux; Canan Moodie, Jesse Kriel, Damian de Allende, Cheslin Kolbe; Handre Pollard, Grant Williams; Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (capt); Ruan Nortje, Eben Etzebeth; Frans Malherbe, Bongi Mbonambi, Ox Nche.

Replacements: Malcolm Marx, Gerhard Steenekamp, Vincent Koch, Kwagga Smith, Elrigh Louw, Jaden Hendrikse, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Lukhanyo Am.

• Additional reporting AFP

Rassie Erasmus has made a couple of changes to the #Springboks team to face New Zealand in Cape Town on Saturday - more here: https://t.co/yz0I3pAykg 🇿🇦#ForeverGreenForeverGold pic.twitter.com/V7ZPNXJHwA

— Springboks (@Springboks) September 5, 2024