Pollard and Reinach handed starting roles as Springboks adjust for second All Blacks Test

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has selected experienced half-backs Handre Pollard and Cobus Reinach to start against the All Blacks in the second Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

The pair replace Grant Williams and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who began the first Test as South Africa’s half-back combination. Pollard moves into the fly-half role at number 10, while Reinach starts at scrum-half.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu drops to the bench, with Morne van den Berg set to provide the scrum-half option later in the match. The 23-year-old’s ability to operate at fly-half, inside centre and full-back also gives Erasmus valuable cover across the backline among the replacements.

Erasmus said Pollard’s experience in high-pressure situations was a key factor in the decision to change the starting combination.

“Handre has delivered for us under extreme pressure, and we feel that what he and Cobus have the potential to bring stability at the beginning of the game, and then have Morne and Sacha come on later with their different styles of play, will be good for us this weekend,” explained Erasmus.

The Springboks coach also said the changes were made to support the team’s tactical plans for the second Test and to manage the demands of another physically intense contest.

“The changes we made are in line with what we want to achieve on the field this week, and it is valuable that almost all of the players have been involved in the last two games, so they will be able to cope with the intensity and physicality of this match.”

South Africa began the first Test with Williams and Feinberg-Mngomezulu providing a less experienced half-back pairing. For the second meeting, Erasmus has opted for the greater familiarity and composure of Reinach and Pollard at the base and front of the backline.

Their selection means South Africa will retain the attacking potential of Williams, Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Van den Berg among the replacements, while also giving the team a more experienced starting platform.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu remains an important option despite losing his place in the starting side. His ability to cover several positions means he can offer tactical flexibility when introduced, while Van den Berg is identified as the replacement scrum-half.

Erasmus has also stressed the benefit of ensuring that nearly the entire squad has featured across the previous two matches. He believes that match involvement will help the players deal with the pace, intensity and physical demands expected in Cape Town.

The second Test between South Africa and the All Blacks kicks off at 17:10 on Saturday.