Erasmus banks on fresh backline for crucial All Black clash

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has named a bold new-look backline for the second Test against the All Blacks in Wellington, handing youngster Ethan Hooker his first start in the green and gold.

The fourth-round Castle Lager Rugby Championship showdown at Sky Stadium on Saturday will not only determine the Freedom Cup but could also prove decisive in South Africa’s campaign to reclaim momentum after a 24-17 defeat in Auckland last week.

Erasmus rang the changes, with seven personnel shifts in the starting XV but 16 players retained in the matchday squad. The halfback pairing of Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will steer the attack, while Damian Willemse and Canan Moodie form the midfield. Hooker and Cheslin Kolbe will provide pace on the wings, with Aphelele Fassi slotting in at fullback. Siya Kolisi resumes his role as captain at flank, joining Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese in the loose trio, the latter back from suspension.

Up front, Lood de Jager joins Ruan Nortje at lock, while the powerful front row of Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, and Malcolm Marx remains intact. The bench again follows a five-three split, with RG Snyman and Kwagga Smith among the forward cover, and Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, and Andre Esterhuizen providing backline options.

Erasmus said the selection balances continuity with energy. “This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side,” he explained. “Some fresh legs and energy are what we need to come away with the desired result.”

The Bok coach was frank about the lessons from last weekend’s defeat. “We know where we went wrong last week and what we must fix. There’s no doubt that we have to deliver a proper 80-minute performance to do well, and we will give everything to achieve that.”

Kick-off is at 09h05 SA time, with the clash broadcast live on SuperSport.