{"id":27759,"date":"2025-09-08T14:24:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-08T12:24:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=27759"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:53:34","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T07:53:34","slug":"rassie-erasmus-unveils-springboks-new-strategy","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/rassie-erasmus-unveils-springboks-new-strategy\/","title":{"rendered":"Rassie Erasmus Unveils Springboks\u2019 New Strategy Against All Blacks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>After a humbling defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made sweeping changes to his side for Saturday\u2019s Rugby Championship rematch in Wellington. The revamped team aims to restore pride, reclaim the Freedom Cup, and defend the Rugby Championship title they lifted last year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-fresh-faces-in-the-backline\">Fresh Faces in the Backline<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Erasmus has introduced a significantly altered backline following Saturday\u2019s disappointing performance. Rewarding impact substitutes from the previous match, the Springboks will feature a new halfback pairing of Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In midfield, Canan Moodie earns a call-up alongside Damian Willemse, forming an unexpected but exciting combination. On the wings, newcomer Ethan Hooker partners Cheslin Kolbe, while Aphelele Fassi steps in at fullback. These changes signal Erasmus\u2019 intent to inject energy, creativity, and unpredictability into the Springboks\u2019 attacking play.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe title=\"New Zealand v South Africa | Match Highlights | The Rugby Championship\" width=\"755\" height=\"425\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/4XgzL0LjhLI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-1762075377\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-springboks-experienced-leaders-return-up-front\">Springboks Experienced Leaders Return Up Front<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The forward pack sees some familiar faces, with Siya Kolisi back as captain and operating on the flank alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit. No. 8 Jasper Wiese makes his return following a four-match suspension, bringing additional power and ball-carrying ability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only change in the tight five is at lock, with Lood de Jager lining up next to Ruan Nortje. Erasmus has maintained consistency in the front row, keeping Ox Nche, Thomas du Toit, and hooker Malcolm Marx.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-bench-strength-balances-forwards-and-backs\">Bench Strength Balances Forwards and Backs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Erasmus has opted for a balanced bench featuring five forwards and three backs. Up front, hooker Marnus van der Merwe, props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, lock RG Snyman, and impact player Kwagga Smith provide coverage. The backs on the bench include halfbacks Grant Williams and Manie Libbok, as well as centre Andre Esterhuizen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cThis 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,\u201d Erasmus said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Kwagga Smith: \u201cWe know what our standards are, and we\u2019ll definitely try to rectify that\u201d \ud83d\udc4d<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Springboks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Springboks<\/a> <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ForeverGreenForeverGold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ForeverGreenForeverGold<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Springboks (@Springboks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Springboks\/status\/1964584474676777039?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">September 7, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/south-africa-vs-new-zealand-what-to-know\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">South Africa vs New Zealand: Everything You Need to Know Ahead of the Test<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2848095646\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-vital-match-for-rugby-championship-hopes\">Vital Match for Rugby Championship Hopes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Erasmus acknowledged the importance of the Wellington encounter, describing it as \u201ca vital match for our Rugby Championship campaign.\u201d The coach emphasised the need for fresh energy and consistency in selection, while also offering opportunities for players to demonstrate their capabilities against a top-ranked opponent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow\">\n<p>\u201cEvery player in this squad knows we believe in them and back them,\u201d Erasmus added. \u201cThis will serve as a great occasion for them to show what they are capable of against a team such as the All Blacks.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-lessons-learned-from-eden-park\">Lessons Learned from Eden Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Springboks are entering the match with a clear focus on rectifying errors from last week. Erasmus stressed the need for an improved 80-minute performance across all areas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cBoth teams will be up for the challenge this week after having to cope with heavy rain at times in Auckland, and after the disappointing performance we delivered in the opening stages of that match, we know we need to be much more effective,\u201d he said. \u201cWe need a top-class performance to ensure that we are in contention to win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\" data-width=\"550\" data-dnt=\"true\"><p lang=\"en\" dir=\"ltr\">Rassie Erasmus has made a number of tweaks to the <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/Springboks?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#Springboks<\/a> team for Saturday&#39;s second clash against the All Blacks in New Zealand \ud83e\udee1<a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/ForeverGreenForeverGold?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">#ForeverGreenForeverGold<\/a><\/p>&mdash; Springboks (@Springboks) <a href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/Springboks\/status\/1964943057021006020?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">September 8, 2025<\/a><\/blockquote><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Also read:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/world-rugby-rankings-springboks-eye-no-1-spot\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">World Rugby Rankings: Springboks Eye No.1 Spot After All Blacks Test<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-2608484485\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-springboks-vs-all-blacks-match-details-and-kick-off\">Springboks vs All Blacks: Match Details and Kick-Off<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rugby Championship showdown kicks off at 09h05 South African time at Sky Stadium, Wellington. The fixture not only decides the Freedom Cup winner but is crucial for South Africa\u2019s title defence ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Springboks Starting XV:<\/strong><br>15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 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 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Replacements:<\/strong> 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-springboks-seek-redemption-in-new-zealand\">Springboks Seek Redemption in New Zealand<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>With a mix of experience, youth, and fresh combinations, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.sabcsport.com\/rugby\/news\/erasmus-unveils-new-look-backline-as-boks-make-seven-changes-for-freedom-cup-decider\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Erasmus\u2019 new-look<\/a> Springboks are determined to bounce back. Fans will be hoping that the changes pay dividends as the team aims to rewrite the narrative against their fierce rivals in Wellington.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Related article: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/rugby-championship-2025-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Rugby Championship 2025 Guide: Springbok Selections and Key Fixtures<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After a humbling defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made sweeping changes to his side for Saturday\u2019s Rugby Championship rematch in Wellington. The revamped team aims to restore pride, reclaim the Freedom Cup, and defend the Rugby Championship title they lifted last year. Fresh Faces in the Backline<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":27777,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"After a humbling defeat to the All Blacks at Eden Park, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made sweeping changes to his side for Saturday\u2019s Rugby Championship...","footnotes":""},"categories":[56,64],"tags":[11108,1341,415],"class_list":{"0":"post-27759","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-sports","8":"category-sports-news","9":"tag-latest-sports-news","10":"tag-rugby-news","11":"tag-sa-rugby"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27759","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27759"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27759\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27778,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27759\/revisions\/27778"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27759"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27759"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27759"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}