Springboks Team to Face the All Blacks: Kolisi misses out

Tuesday, 11 August 2026 at 11:01

byKeisha-Lee Opperman

All eyes will be on Springboks head coach Rassie Erasmus as South Africa prepare for Rugby's Greatest Rivalry.

By Keisha-Lee Opperman On RUCK Debut

Erasmus has selected a powerful 43-man squad for the upcoming tour, with Argentina and the All Blacks standing between the Springboks and another statement of intent on the international stage.

South Africa edged past Argentina in a nail-biting contest last weekend, but Erasmus will now have the opportunity to test his combinations against New Zealand. The All Blacks have also made a strong start to Rugby's Greatest Rivalry, defeating the DHL Stormers in their opening match before travelling to face the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Tuesday.

With injuries already affecting both camps, selection will be fascinating when the two great rivals finally meet on August 26 at Ellis Park. Here is our predicted Springboks starting XV and replacements for the first Test against New Zealand.

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BACK THREE

15. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers)

Damian Willemse remains one of South Africa's most reliable options at full-back and could be the preferred choice against the All Blacks. The Stormers star has plenty of experience at Test level and knows exactly what is required in a high-pressure encounter against New Zealand. His speed, kicking ability and decision-making make him a dangerous attacking option while also giving South Africa security at the back.

With the All Blacks likely to test South Africa's defensive structure through the kicking game, Willemse's ability under the high ball could prove particularly valuable.

14. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Bulls)

Kurt-Lee Arendse is another player who offers South Africa genuine attacking threat. The Bulls wing enjoyed an impressive URC campaign and has already established himself as a dangerous international player. His pace and ability to beat defenders make him particularly valuable when South Africa are able to create space out wide. Against an All Blacks side packed with dangerous runners, Arendse's defensive work will be just as important as his attacking ability.

11. Cheslin Kolbe (Stormers)

Cheslin Kolbe remains one of the most versatile weapons available to Erasmus. The diminutive wing possesses extraordinary footwork, speed and kicking ability, while his experience of the biggest Test matches makes him a natural selection for a fixture of this magnitude. Kolbe also offers Erasmus flexibility during the match, with his ability to cover multiple positions giving South Africa another tactical option when the pressure rises.

CENTRES

13. Jesse Kriel (Yokohama Canon Eagles)

Jesse Kriel's experience makes him a strong candidate to start against New Zealand. The veteran centre was one of South Africa's most consistent performers during the Nations Championship, scoring three tries and making 26 tackles. His defensive organisation and ability to carry hard in midfield could be particularly important against an All Blacks backline that thrives when given space.

12. Damian de Allende (Saitama Wild Knights)

The familiar partnership of Damian de Allende and Kriel could once again be Erasmus' preferred midfield combination. De Allende brings physicality, experience and a proven ability to break the gain line. He has also played against New Zealand numerous times, giving him an understanding of the intensity required in Rugby's Greatest Rivalry. With South Africa likely to target the All Blacks through the middle of the field, De Allende's power could be a major asset.

HALFBACKS

10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (Stormers)

Despite recently returning from an ankle injury, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu could be trusted to wear the No.10 jersey. The young fly-half remains one of the most exciting talents in South African rugby and offers a combination of attacking ambition and a strong kicking game.

His ability to kick for territory could be crucial against New Zealand, particularly if South Africa look to pin the All Blacks deep in their own half. With Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok and Morne Mngomezulu also available, Erasmus has plenty of options, but Feinberg-Mngomezulu could get the nod if the coaching staff believe he is fit enough.

9. Cobus Reinach (Stormers)

Cobus Reinach is our pick to partner Feinberg-Mngomezulu at half-back. The experienced scrum-half has been a regular presence in the Springboks squad and offers the pace and quick decision-making required to put pressure on New Zealand's defence.

His familiarity with Feinberg-Mngomezulu also gives South Africa an established combination, while his international experience provides an important balance to the young fly-half. Erasmus also has Morne van den Berg, Herschel Jantjies and Grant Williams available, giving him plenty of options from the bench.

FRONT ROW

1. Ox Nche (Sharks)

Ox Nche needs little introduction when discussing the Springboks' formidable scrum. The Sharks prop has become one of the most destructive loose-heads in world rugby and has played a major role in South Africa's dominance at the set piece. Against an All Blacks pack that will be desperate to establish a foothold, Nche's ability to win scrum penalties could give the Springboks a significant advantage.

2. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears)

Malcolm Marx is our pick at hooker. The experienced forward offers far more than his lineout throwing, combining powerful carrying with ferocious defence and an ability to threaten over the ball. His familiarity with Nche would also give South Africa a proven combination at the set piece. Marx has repeatedly shown that he can change a Test match through his physicality, making him an obvious choice for a heavyweight clash with New Zealand.

3. Boan Venter (Lions)

Boan Venter completes our predicted front row. The prop has already shown that he is capable of operating at the highest level and offers Erasmus another powerful option at scrum time. With the Springboks likely to target the All Blacks' set piece, Venter's strength could make him an important part of the starting pack. Zachary Porthen also provides valuable depth and could feature from the bench.

LOCKS

4. Eben Etzebeth (Sharks)

Eben Etzebeth remains one of the most imposing figures in world rugby. The veteran lock produced a solid performance against Argentina and his ability to disrupt opposition kicks, dominate collisions and provide leadership makes him difficult to leave out for a Test of this magnitude. Against an All Blacks side that will look to play with speed, Etzebeth's physical presence will be vital.

5. Lood de Jager (Saitama Wild Knights)

Lood de Jager is our pick to partner Etzebeth in the second row. The pair have plenty of experience together and offer South Africa a formidable combination at the lineout. De Jager's physicality and defensive work complement Etzebeth's aggression, while his experience gives Erasmus another reliable option in one of the most important areas of the Springboks' game.

BACK ROW

6. Deon Fourie (Stormers)

One of the most intriguing selections is Deon Fourie, who has earned a recall to the Springboks squad after making a huge impression for the Stormers against the All Blacks. Fourie's work rate, physicality and experience make him an interesting option in the back row. His ability to operate at hooker also gives Erasmus additional tactical flexibility. His recent performance against New Zealand will only strengthen the case for his inclusion.

7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz)

With Siya Kolisi's injury leaving his availability uncertain, Pieter-Steph du Toit could be asked to take on an even greater leadership role. The veteran forward rarely grabs the headlines, but his work rate, carrying and defensive ability make him one of the most dependable players in the Springboks squad.

Against New Zealand's athletic back row, Du Toit's ability to cover ground and make crucial defensive interventions could be invaluable.

8. Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks)

Jasper Wiese completes our predicted starting back row. The powerful No.8 provides South Africa with another strong ball carrier and offers the physicality required to challenge the All Blacks at the gain line. His ability to carry through contact and contribute defensively makes him a natural fit for a Test where the battle for momentum could prove decisive.

REPLACEMENTS

16. Johan Grobbelaar (Bulls)

Grobbelaar provides strong cover at hooker and has shown that he can handle the physical demands of Test rugby.

17. Gerhard Steenekamp (Bulls)

Steenekamp offers powerful scrummaging from the bench and could provide exactly the sort of impact Erasmus wants during the final stages.

18. Zachary Porthen (Stormers)

Porthen has impressed when given opportunities and offers valuable versatility and energy in the front row.

19. Franco Mostert (Honda Heat)

Mostert's experience makes him an ideal option to reinforce the second row and provide additional leadership when the replacements are introduced.

20. Cobus Wiese (Bulls)

Wiese would add another physical presence to the pack and give Erasmus further options around the breakdown and gain line.

21. Grant Williams (Kobe Steelers)

Williams' pace would provide a change of tempo late in the match, particularly if the All Blacks begin to tire.

22. Handre Pollard (Bulls)

Pollard's experience in the biggest international matches makes him a valuable option from the bench, particularly if South Africa need to close out a tight Test.