Pollard and Reinach start as Erasmus makes bold Springboks change for All Blacks Test

Rassie Erasmus has made a significant change to South Africa’s halfback pairing for the second Test against the All Blacks this weekend, with Handre Pollard and Cobus Reinach selected to start.

The decision means Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu moves to the bench, making the reshuffle the main talking point surrounding Erasmus’ team selection for the Cape Town match.

The KickOff Rugby team, together with Novus Sport, has examined the Springboks’ line-up and considered whether the change represents a bold move from Erasmus or the response South Africa needs at this stage of the series.

Pollard and Reinach will now form the starting halfback combination, while Feinberg-Mngomezulu is set to provide an option from the replacements. The selection places the focus firmly on how the revised partnership will operate in the second Test against the All Blacks.

Erasmus’ decision comes under close examination after the Springboks’ previous performance at Ellis Park. The team’s earlier analysis also included the coach’s assessment of that match, in which he accepted responsibility for the outcome and the execution of South Africa’s approach.

“Plans didn’t work, that’s on me”

That assessment has added further interest to the latest selection. The question for the KickOff Rugby panel is whether the change to the halfback pairing is a calculated response to what happened previously or a major gamble ahead of the weekend’s Test.

The selection also creates a different role for Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who drops from the starting line-up to the bench. His inclusion among the replacements means he remains part of the match-day plans, but the responsibility for directing the Springboks from the start will now rest with Pollard and Reinach.

The Cape Town selection has therefore prompted debate over Erasmus’ approach. It is the clearest change highlighted by the KickOff Rugby team and Novus Sport as they assess the make-up of the side.

The panel will discuss Erasmus’ choices, with particular attention on the decision to start Pollard and Reinach and place Feinberg-Mngomezulu among the replacements.

South Africa’s team selection is now the central talking point before the second Test. Whether the switch is viewed as an assertive decision or precisely the adjustment the Springboks require will be considered by the KickOff Rugby team and Novus Sport in their breakdown of the line-up.

Supporters are also being invited to give their views on the selection and share their thoughts in the comments.