5 Changes Rassie Erasmus MUST Make for Springboks v All Blacks 2nd Test

South Africa led 13-12 at half-time at Ellis Park and appeared to have the upper hand after dominating the scrum, but New Zealand produced a brilliant second-half performance to win 33-16. The All Blacks scored five tries to South Africa's one, capitalising on handling errors, breakdown mistakes and moments of ill-discipline to end the Springboks' 12-Test winning run.

The defeat exposed several areas Erasmus must address ahead of the second Test in Cape Town, with the All Blacks set to face the Lions of Johannesburg this week for their final non-test fixture of the tour. South Africa enjoyed plenty of possession and territory but repeatedly failed to turn pressure into points, with tries to Malcolm Marx and Grant Williams ruled out and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu also denied across the whitewash.

With the All Blacks now holding a 1-0 series lead, here are five changes Erasmus should make for the second Test in Cape Town.

South Africa's backline struggled to consistently break through a well-organised All Blacks defence in Johannesburg, making a change in midfield an appealing option for Erasmus. Canan Moodie could provide the Springboks with greater physicality and mobility in the centre, while his pace could help South Africa attack the space behind New Zealand's defensive line.

The All Blacks repeatedly forced South Africa into errors and disrupted their attacking rhythm, while the Springboks' possession often failed to translate into genuine scoring opportunities. New Zealand's defensive organisation was one of the defining features of their victory. Moodie's ability to carry hard and threaten the outside channels could therefore provide a different dimension. Rather than simply relying on the Springboks' traditional power game, South Africa need to create more uncertainty for the All Blacks defence.

Ethan Hooker should be given the opportunity to make his first senior international start on the wing. The 22-year-old was included in Erasmus' wider plans for the All Blacks series and offers the pace and attacking instincts required to stretch New Zealand's defence.

South Africa's back three struggled to consistently turn possession into points in the first Test, while New Zealand's outside backs proved devastating. Will Jordan scored twice, while Josh Moorby also crossed as the All Blacks punished the Springboks whenever opportunities presented themselves.

With Aphelele Fassi also available at fullback, Hooker could provide another attacking outlet in the wider channels and bring a subtle element of suprise to the well documented green and gold wide channels. South Africa need to find ways of turning their territorial dominance into tries, and giving a young, explosive winger an opportunity could be one answer, as the All Blacks could have skipped out on their homework on the Sharks man, who has missed a considerable chunk of action with a shoulder injury.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu should retain the No. 10 jersey, despite a difficult afternoon in Johannesburg. The young fly-half's second match since returning from an ankle injury was understandably challenging, but there were glimpses of the talent that made him such an important part of Erasmus' plans, as he also showcased against Argentina a fortnight ago. His disallowed effort was another example of how close South Africa came to scoring more points, in a frustrating evening for the men in green and gold.

The biggest issue was not simply personnel at fly-half, but South Africa's inability to execute when they entered the All Blacks' 22. They repeatedly squandered opportunities through handling errors, breakdown mistakes and questionable decisions to turn down kickable penalties. Feinberg-Mngomezulu should therefore be given the chance to respond, before Rassie makes a brash decision and pulls the Stormers man off the reins.

However, we think that a wise older head is required for the Springboks on the bench. After sitting out of the entire match day squad for the opening Test in Johannesburg, Handre Pollard should be handed the number 22 shirt this weekend in Cape Town. It is 'do-or-die' time for the Springboks, and anything less than a win will deny them the chances of taking the spoils from the series. With New Zealand chomping at the bit, Pollard's proven ability to calm heads and steer South Africa through the choppiest seas could prove pivotal for a match-winning appearence from the bench.

Unlike some of the other changes, this is one area where Erasmus should resist the temptation to make a change. Jasper Wiese was one of South Africa's most effective carriers in the first Test and should retain the No. 8 jersey alongside Paul de Villiers and Pieter-Steph du Toit in the back row.

Wiese led the Springboks' carrying effort in the first half and provided the physical presence South Africa needed against a powerful All Blacks pack. However, the bigger challenge for Wiese and the rest of the back row will be improving South Africa's work at the breakdown. New Zealand were excellent at disrupting possession and repeatedly forced the Springboks into errors.

Wiese's physicality and carrying ability can help South Africa get over the gain line, but his work alongside Kolisi and du Toit must also help the Springboks regain control of the breakdown battle.

Andre Esterhuizen has given Rassie plenty to consider ahead of the second test, as the former Harlequins man bull-dozed his way over the line in his new-found position out on the wing. However, Rassie should bide his time for now, and re-ward the in-form Weise with a starting place retention.

The big question heading into the second Test is whether Siya Kolisi will be fit enough to return.

The Springbok captain missed the first Test as he continued his recovery from a hamstring injury, with Pieter-Steph du Toit leading South Africa in his absence. Erasmus opted for a cautious approach ahead of the opening match, with the ever-impressive Paul de Villiers given the opportunity to start and continue his upward trajectory following the Nations Championship.

Now, with South Africa needing a response after their 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park, Kolisi's potential return could provide both experience and leadership at a crucial moment.

The Springboks dominated possession and territory in the first Test but struggled to turn that pressure into points, while New Zealand's defence and breakdown work repeatedly disrupted their attacking rhythm.

The Springboks are due to name their team at 10:45am UK time, and Kolisi's inclusion will be one of the biggest selection calls to watch.

If he is declared fit, bringing the captain back into the starting XV would give Erasmus an experienced operator who knows exactly what it takes to beat New Zealand and has lifted the Rugby World Cup twice as South Africa's captain.