Siya Kolisi Out as Rassie Erasmus Names Springboks XV for All Blacks Test
Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made a major selection call ahead of South Africa’s highly anticipated showdown with New Zealand, leaving Siya Kolisi out of the starting XV for Saturday’s opening Test at Ellis Park.
Paul de Villiers has been selected in Kolisi’s place, while Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks against their greatest rivals.
The decision is particularly significant because Erasmus indicated that Kolisi, who has been recovering from a hamstring injury, was fit to play.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu has also been handed the No. 10 jersey ahead of Manie Libbok, with Grant Williams starting at scrumhalf.
Damian de Allende is set for a historic afternoon as the powerful centre prepares to earn his 100th Test cap for South Africa.
The Test launches the four-match “Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry” series between the Springboks and All Blacks.
New Zealand have meanwhile named returning stars Will Jordan and Cam Roigard in their starting XV after both recovered from injury, while experienced playmaker Beauden Barrett has been left out of the match-day squad.
South Africa have won five of their last six meetings with New Zealand, including their emphatic 43-10 victory in Wellington.
The two rugby giants collide at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday, 22 August.
