Cobus Reinach to earn 50th cap as Springboks load bench with forwards for Wales clash

Springbok scrumhalf Cobus Reinach will earn his 50th Test cap when he takes the field against Wales at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday, as coach Rassie Erasmus were forced into a few changes for the final match of their November Tour.

The starting XV sees nine changes from the side that defeated Ireland 24-13 in Dublin last week, as several players have returned to their clubs and provincial unions. With the match falling outside the international window, Erasmus made eight personnel changes and one positional switch to the run-on team, while the bench has been refreshed with three players who featured last week among the replacements.

With the likes of Malcolm Marx, Thomas du Toit, Boan Venter, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Grant Williams, Handre Pollard, Manie Libbok, Jesse Kriel, Cheslin Kolbe, and Edwill van der Merwe unavailable, Erasmus called upon key members of his “Bomb Squad” alongside seven players who started in Dublin.

The retained starters include captain Siya Kolisi, Ruan Nortje, Jasper Wiese, Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, Canan Moodie, Damian de Allende, and Damian Willemse. The coach opted for a strong front row of Johan Grobbelaar at hooker, with Wilco Louw and Gerhard Steenekamp on either side, while Jean Kleyn joins Nortje in the second row. The loose trio comprises Kolisi, Franco Mostert, and Wiese, forming a powerful forward pack.

In the backline, Morne van den Berg and Feinberg-Mngomezulu will control play at halfback, with Andre Esterhuizen pairing with De Allende in the midfield. Canan Moodie and Ethan Hooker start on the wings, and Willemse retains the fullback jersey.

Erasmus opted for a bench with a 7-1 split in favour of forwards, including hooker Bongi Mbonambi, props Zachary Porthen and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, lock Eben Etzebeth, and utility forwards Marco van Staden, Ben-Jason Dixon, and Kwagga Smith. Reinach is the only specialist backline player among the replacements.

“We knew from the outset that we would lose players for this match due to club commitments, and we are pleased with the quality of the team we’ve selected,” Erasmus said.

“We’ve been rotating players throughout the year, and this group has been together for close to five weeks. Many combinations are fully settled, while others, like Zachary and Asenathi, have shown what they can do this season, and we are excited to see them receive another chance to play.”

Erasmus thanked the provincial unions and clubs for releasing players to ensure a strong side could take the field in Cardiff. “This team is capable of finishing the tour on a high note,” he added. “We’ve used 49 players in Test matches this season, which is a testament to the depth we are developing with an eye on the 2027 Rugby World Cup.”

Speaking about Reinach’s milestone, Erasmus said: “Cobus is a true team man. He’s been a standout this season and over the years, patiently waiting for his opportunities and making the most of every chance. To reach 50 Tests at 35 years old is a remarkable achievement.”

The coach also addressed the decision to select a bench heavily weighted towards forwards. “It was based on the players available and how well our pack has performed this season. We believe it will be a key area of the match on Saturday.”

Erasmus expects Wales to pose a stern challenge, despite their own squad changes due to club commitments. “Both teams face similar situations regarding availability, but Wales have a balanced squad with seasoned players and several youngsters eager to make a statement.

"We expect them to come out firing. As the last match of the year for both sides, there’s no doubt they’ll give everything to finish the season strongly and improve their world ranking ahead of the Rugby World Cup draw next week.”

Springbok team to face Wales:

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Damian de Allende, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Franco Mostert, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5, Ruan Nortje 4, Jean Kleyn, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17, Zachary Porthen, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Eben Etzebeth, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Ben-Jason Dixon, 22 Kwagga Smith, 23 Cobus Reinach.