The Springboks have been forced into late changes ahead of their Rugby Championship Test against New Zealand at DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday, 29 August 2026. Handré Pollard has been ruled out with a calf injury, while Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu has been promoted to the starting line up at flyhalf. Cheslin Kolbe has also recovered from injury and will start on the wing after initially being unavailable.
The changes affect South Africa’s preparations for the second Test against the All Blacks, with kick off scheduled for 5.10pm. The Springboks need a victory to keep the series alive after last week’s opening encounter, making the late team adjustments significant.
According to the Springbok management, Pollard sustained the injury during training earlier this week and was withdrawn after a medical assessment on Friday morning.
Handré Pollard Ruled Out After Training Injury
The biggest change comes at flyhalf, where Pollard has been ruled out because of a calf injury.
According to the Springbok camp, the experienced number 10 picked up the injury during Wednesday’s training session. Following further medical evaluation on Friday morning, the coaching and medical teams decided that he would not be fit to play.
His withdrawal means South Africa loses one of its most experienced decision makers ahead of one of the biggest fixtures on the international rugby calendar.
Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu Returns to the Starting Team
Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu has been promoted from the replacements bench to the starting line up.
The young playmaker started the first Test against New Zealand in Johannesburg before initially being selected among the replacements for the Cape Town fixture.
His inclusion means South Africa maintains continuity in attack despite Pollard’s late withdrawal.
Manie Libbok, who was originally omitted from the matchday squad after featuring on the bench in the first Test, has now been recalled and takes Feinberg Mngomezulu’s place among the replacements.
Cheslin Kolbe Declared Fit to Start
The Springboks also received positive injury news with Cheslin Kolbe returning to the starting team.
Kolbe had initially been ruled out earlier in the week because of a foot injury, with Kurt Lee Arendse selected in his place.
Following successful recovery, Kolbe has been declared fit to play and replaces Arendse on the wing.
His return provides South Africa with additional experience and attacking ability, while he is also expected to take responsibility for goal kicking duties if required.
Siya Kolisi Returns as Captain
Captain Siya Kolisi will lead the Springboks after proving his fitness earlier this week.
Kolisi was not included when coach Rassie Erasmus first announced the team because of ongoing hamstring concerns.
The Springbok captain completed training earlier in the week and was declared fit to return.
His inclusion sees him reclaim the captaincy, with Pieter Steph du Toit, who is set to earn his 100th Test cap, returning to his regular role in the loose trio.
Updated Springbok Matchday Squad
The revised Springbok team for Saturday’s Test is:
Starting XV
- Damian Willemse
- Cheslin Kolbe
- Jesse Kriel
- Damian de Allende
- Ethan Hooker
- Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu
- Cobus Reinach
- Jasper Wiese
- Pieter Steph du Toit
- Siya Kolisi (captain)
- Ruan Nortje
- Eben Etzebeth
- Wilco Louw
- Malcolm Marx
- Ox Nche
Replacements
- Deon Fourie
- Gerhard Steenekamp
- Thomas du Toit
- Lood de Jager
- André Esterhuizen
- Cameron Hanekom
- Morne van den Berg
- Manie Libbok
Why the Changes Matter
Losing Pollard removes one of the Springboks’ most experienced players ahead of a decisive Test.
However, Feinberg Mngomezulu has already shown his ability at international level and offers a different attacking approach at flyhalf.
Kolbe’s return is another boost for South Africa. His pace, experience and versatility provide additional options in both attack and defence, while his goal kicking ability offers another reliable option.
The Springboks will also benefit from Kolisi’s leadership as they attempt to level the series against their long time rivals.
What This Means for Gauteng Residents
Many Gauteng rugby supporters are expected to follow Saturday’s Test from fan parks, restaurants, sports bars and homes across Johannesburg, Pretoria and Ekurhuleni.
The late changes place additional responsibility on younger players, particularly Feinberg Mngomezulu, while Kolbe’s return strengthens the Springboks’ starting side.
Supporters will also be watching Pieter Steph du Toit as he reaches the milestone of 100 Test appearances in one of rugby’s biggest rivalries.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Handré Pollard not playing?
Pollard has been ruled out after sustaining a calf injury during training earlier this week.
Who replaces Pollard at flyhalf?
Sacha Feinberg Mngomezulu will start at flyhalf, while Manie Libbok joins the replacements bench.
Is Cheslin Kolbe fit to play?
Yes. Kolbe has recovered from a foot injury and returns to the starting team.
Who will captain the Springboks?
Siya Kolisi will captain South Africa after being declared fit to play.
When do the Springboks play New Zealand?
The second Test between South Africa and New Zealand takes place on Saturday, 29 August 2026, with kick off scheduled for 5.10pm in Cape Town.
Springboks Face Must Win Test in Cape Town
The Springboks head into Saturday’s Test knowing victory is essential to keep the series alive against New Zealand. Although Pollard’s injury is a setback, the return of Kolbe and Kolisi, together with Feinberg Mngomezulu’s promotion to the starting side, ensures South Africa still fields an experienced and balanced team for one of the biggest fixtures in world rugby.
