Springboks make late changes as Cheslin Kolbe returns and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu starts against All Blacks

The Springboks have made two late changes for Saturday’s Test against the All Blacks at DHL Stadium, with Cheslin Kolbe cleared to return on the right wing and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu promoted to the starting line-up at flyhalf.

Kolbe has recovered from the knock that forced him to leave last week’s opening Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg. His return means Kurt-Lee Arendse drops out of the matchday squad.

The second alteration follows an injury concern for Handre Pollard, who developed a niggle during training on Wednesday. Pollard was reassessed on Friday morning before the decision was made to withdraw him from the team.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu will take over the number 10 jersey. The 22-year-old started at flyhalf in the Springboks’ Test against Argentina and also wore the position in last week’s meeting with the All Blacks.

Manie Libbok has been brought onto the replacements bench to provide cover at flyhalf, while scrumhalf Morne van den Berg is also included among the substitutes.

The revised Springboks side will face the All Blacks at DHL Stadium on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10.

Damian Willemse remains at full-back, while Kolbe returns on the right wing alongside centre Jesse Kriel, inside centre Damian de Allende and left wing Ethan Hooker.

Captain Siya Kolisi starts at blindside flanker, with Pieter-Steph du Toit at openside flanker and Jasper Wiese at number eight. Ruan Nortje and Eben Etzebeth form the second-row partnership.

Wilco Louw, Malcolm Marx and Ox Nche make up the front row, with Cobus Reinach selected at scrumhalf.

The Springboks’ revised team is:

15 Damian Willemse; 14 Cheslin Kolbe; 13 Jesse Kriel; 12 Damian de Allende; 11 Ethan Hooker; 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu; 9 Cobus Reinach; 8 Jasper Wiese; 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit; 6 Siya Kolisi (captain); 5 Ruan Nortje; 4 Eben Etzebeth; 3 Wilco Louw; 2 Malcolm Marx; 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.

The changes give the Springboks greater continuity in the backline, with Feinberg-Mngomezulu returning to the role he occupied in the previous two Tests and Kolbe restored after his early departure in Johannesburg. Pollard’s withdrawal is the only change caused by a fitness issue, while Arendse’s omission makes way for Kolbe’s return to the matchday group.