Springboks Bring Back Rugby World Cup Winners for Crucial Freedom Cup Showdown Against All Blacks
Cape Town: South Africa’s Rugby World Cup champions Eben Etzebeth, Handre Pollard, and Willie le Roux have been recalled to the starting lineup for the Springboks’ crucial Freedom Cup decider against the All Blacks on Saturday at DHL Stadium. The Springboks are aiming to reclaim the Freedom Cup, a title they haven’t held since 2009. Coming off a thrilling 31-27 victory over New Zealand in Johannesburg last weekend, they are confident they can make history.
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has made seven changes to his starting XV, including two positional shifts. Pollard, returning to flyhalf, replaces Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who moves to the bench. Pollard will be paired with halfback Grant Williams, who earns his first Test start of 2024. Canan Moodie replaces Kurt-Lee Arendse on the right wing, joining Willie le Roux and Cheslin Kolbe in a new-look back three. Kolbe, a two-time Rugby World Cup winner, moves from the right to the left wing.
In the forwards, Etzebeth’s inclusion at lock sees him partner with Ruan Nortje in the second row. Pieter-Steph du Toit returns to the backrow, joining captain Siya Kolisi and Jasper Wiese to form a formidable loose forward trio.
“This is going to be a massive match,” Erasmus said. “New Zealand is a world-class team, and they’ll be eager to bounce back. They know that a victory could have a big impact on the Rugby Championship standings, and they’ll be playing to retain the Freedom Cup.”
Erasmus also praised Kolisi’s leadership, noting the captain’s return from a suspected facial injury that caused some concerns after last week’s Test. “Siya is a world-class player and leader, and he has fully recovered for this match,” he added.
Springboks Starting XV:
- Ox Nche
- Bongi Mbonambi
- Frans Malherbe
- Eben Etzebeth
- Ruan Nortje
- Siya Kolisi (Captain)
- Pieter-Steph du Toit
- Jasper Wiese
- Grant Williams
- Handre Pollard
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Damian de Allende
- Jesse Kriel
- Canan Moodie
- Willie le Roux
Replacements: 16. Malcolm Marx
17. Gerhard Steenekamp
18. Vincent Koch
19. Kwagga Smith
20. Elrigh Louw
21. Jaden Hendrikse
22. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
23. Lukhanyo Am
With high stakes and fierce competition, fans are eagerly anticipating this decisive clash in Cape Town.
