Pollard to steer the Springbok ship as Kolisi doubt sparks loose trio shake-up

The Springboks could unveil a powerful yet tactically forged lineup to face the All Blacks at Eden Park this weekend. It’s a venue where South Africa has not tasted victory since 1937, and they will be eager to break that record when they take on New Zealand in Auckland (09:05am kick-off) in the first of two Rugby Championship Tests.

Bok head coach Rassie Erasmus will likely lean on a core of seasoned campaigners, while injecting fresh energy into certain positions as they aim not just to contain the All Blacks, but to challenge them in every aspect of the clash.

This could be the perfect occasion to reintroduce the experience of veteran Willie le Roux to anchor an exciting back-three featuring Cheslin Kolbe and the versatile Canan Moodie. Their mix of pace, skill, footwork, and aerial ability could prove decisive in countering the Kiwis’ attacking threats.

The midfield pairing of Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende should remain unchanged. It is a trusted combination that offers defensive solidity and strong running lines. It should be an easy decision to stick with flyhalf Handré Pollard to guide the team in what will be a nervy encounter, with the explosive Grant Williams providing pace and unpredictability from scrumhalf.

Up front is where the tricky selections lie. Is Kwagga Smith the best option at eighth man if captain Siya Kolisi is unavailable, or does Jean-Luc du Preez offer the Boks more in terms of physicality?

Should the Boks opt for Smith at No. 8 and Marco van Staden at blindside flank, it would mark a notable shift towards mobility with ball in hand and a focus on aggressively contesting the breakdown. They could be strongly complemented by the returning Pieter-Steph du Toit, who adds physicality to complete a dynamic loose trio.

If Du Preez is selected at the back of the scrum, his power, rather than mobility, could be key to putting the New Zealanders under immense pressure in the tight exchanges.

The front row should feature the formidable trio of loosehead Ox Nché, hooker Malcolm Marx, and tighthead Wilco Louw. It would be surprising if Erasmus opted for one of the more inexperienced front rowers ahead of these three, while Thomas du Toit seems better suited to provide impact off the bench. Marx’s presence at the breakdown could be crucial in swinging momentum.

Though they featured off the bench against Australia, the lock partnership of Lood de Jager and Eben Etzebeth should be reinstated in the starting lineup. They’ve long been a battle-tested second-row pairing.

On the bench, the inclusion of RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje ensures sustained lineout presence and physicality, while the versatile Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu offers a creative edge in the closing stages. Hooker Marnus van der Merwe and prop Boan Venter should round out the front-row replacements, alongside Thomas du Toit.

This side should be experienced enough to be competitive in the Eden Park cauldron, but the forging of new combinations must remain a priority.

Predicted Springbok team

Starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian De Allende, 11 Cheslin Kolbe, 10 Handré Pollard 9, Grant Williams, 8 Kwagga Smith, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Lood de Jager 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx 1 Ox Nché. Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Ruan Nortjé, 21 Jean-Luc du Preez, 22 Cobus Reinach, 23 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.