Rassie Erasmus delays Springboks team announcement ahead of All Blacks Test

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus will wait until Thursday to name his Springboks side for Saturday’s opening Test against the All Blacks at Ellis Park, breaking with his usual selection routine.

The Springbok team is generally announced on a Tuesday, following the schedule Erasmus has become known for. This time, however, the squad will not be confirmed until 14:00 on Thursday, giving the coach two additional days to assess his players before making several important decisions.

The change in timing comes ahead of the first match in Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry, with South Africa preparing to face New Zealand in a contest that carries major significance for both sides.

Among the key selection issues is the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. If Kolisi is unable to take part, Erasmus will also have to decide who leads South Africa in his absence.

Another major question concerns the number 10 position. The Springboks must determine who will start at fly-half, while also deciding which player will provide cover from the bench.

Those choices mean Erasmus has opted to give himself more time before finalising the team. Rather than naming the side on his customary Tuesday, he will wait until Thursday afternoon to reveal his selections for the Ellis Park Test.

The delayed announcement ensures that the major calls around the captaincy, the starting fly-half and the reserve option at number 10 will remain unresolved until later in the week.

South Africa’s team will be announced at 14:00 on Thursday, ahead of Saturday’s meeting with the All Blacks. Until then, Kolisi’s fitness and the shape of the Springboks’ backline remain the central issues facing Erasmus.

The coach’s decision to depart from his normal schedule reflects the importance of getting those selections right before the opening Test of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.