Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks as they face off against the All Blacks this Saturday in what's dubbed the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series. Du Toit, a veteran of two World Cup victories, takes the helm for this high-stakes match. His teammate, Damian de Allende, is set to earn his 100th Test cap in this game, joining an elite group as only the 10th Springbok to reach this milestone.
The game, set at the iconic Ellis Park, will see Rassie Erasmus deploy a strategic mix of players. The lineup includes stalwarts who remained in Johannesburg to train while others battled it out in Buenos Aires, securing a narrow 17-10 victory over Argentina.
Only Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu are retaining their spots in the starting team from that Argentine clash. The match team dynamics are further bolstered with seven players from that squad listed as replacements.
"It's a blend of continuity and fresh energy that we believe will give us the upper hand against the All Blacks," Erasmus stated.
Cheslin Kolbe, Damian Willemse, and Kurt-Lee Arendse form a formidable back three. The midfield partnership of de Allende and Jesse Kriel is another area of strength, while the front row sees Ox Nché making a return from injury alongside Wilco Louw and Malcolm Marx.
In the second row, Etzebeth pairs up with Ruan Nortjé, adding robustness and experience. The loose trio features Paul de Villiers and Jasper Wiese flanking captain Du Toit, completing a well-rounded starting lineup.
"Reaching 100 caps is a massive honor. Playing against the All Blacks makes it even more special," shared de Allende.
Here’s the full list of players taking the field:
1. Ox Nché, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Ruan Nortjé, 6. Paul de Villiers, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (c), 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Grant Williams, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Jesse Kriel, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 15. Damian Willemse.
Substitutes: 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Zachary Porthen, 19. Cobus Wiese, 20. André Esterhuizen, 21. Marco van Staden, 22. Cobus Reinach, 23. Manie Libbok.
This match promises to be a thrilling contest full of historic moments and intense rugby action. With strategic plays and seasoned players at the forefront, fans are in for a treat this weekend at Ellis Park.
