The Springbok captain, Siya Kolisi, couldn't be more excited to face New Zealand, their fierce rivals, at Emirates Airline Park in Johannesburg this Saturday. This Castle Lager Rugby Championship clash marks their first home game, and Kolisi is quick to emphasize the immense role South African fans play in fueling the team’s fire.

Kolisi and his men are on the hunt for their third consecutive victory, which would solidify their lead at the top of the Championship table. But as they prepare to step onto the hallowed turf in front of a sold-out crowd, Kolisi is under no illusions about the challenge that awaits them.

“Playing in South Africa makes a huge difference – it motivates us because we are playing for the people of South Africa, and that drives us immensely as a team,” Kolisi stated, his voice brimming with pride. “The All Blacks are highly motivated, but so are we. A good result will take us a step closer to winning the Freedom Cup. They’ve beaten us in Johannesburg before, but the Boks have a lot to play for, and that’s our focus.”

The anticipation surrounding this match is palpable, with Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick predicting another thrilling encounter between these two rugby giants. “The last few times we’ve played against them have been some of the most entertaining encounters, especially given how they play until the final whistle,” Stick remarked. “If we don’t get momentum and dominate the set pieces, it could be a long day for us.”

Adding an intriguing twist to the Springbok camp is the influence of former All Black flyhalf Tony Brown, who has brought a wealth of inside knowledge to the South African side. Stick highlighted Brown’s unique insight, noting, “Tony understands their DNA. He played for them and coached alongside some of their coaches. We’ve tapped into that.”

With a well-balanced team selected to face the All Blacks, the Springboks are ready for the challenge. Eben Etzebeth’s inclusion on the replacements bench, after being cleared of injury concerns, is a significant boost. Should Etzebeth take to the field, it will mark his 125th Test in the green and gold, placing him just two caps behind the legendary Victor Matfield.

Etzebeth Cleared for Battle, Four Players Released for Currie Cup

Etzebeth’s return has pushed Marco van Staden out of the match-23, a tough call that reflects the depth and competitiveness within the Springbok squad. Rassie Erasmus, the Director of Rugby, explained the decision, saying, “Our selection policy has always been that if a player does not train on a Monday, he will not play on Saturday, but Eben has made it through training pain-free all week. We are blessed to have an expanded squad of about 45 players who have all bought into our plans.”

Meanwhile, Erasmus has released four players – Steven Kitshoff, Manie Libbok, Canan Moodie, and Makazole Mapimpi – to their provincial unions for Carling Currie Cup action this weekend, ensuring they get valuable game time.

The Battle of the Loose Forwards: Kolisi vs. Cane

Kolisi is particularly looking forward to reuniting with Ben-Jason Dixon and Jasper Wiese in a physical loose trio, eager to match the All Blacks’ intensity in what promises to be a bruising contest. But he remains cautious of the threat posed by veteran All Black flanker Sam Cane. “He’s been a warrior for them for so many years, so it’s going to be a proper battle, especially among the loose forwards and in the set pieces,” Kolisi acknowledged.

As the excitement builds, the Springboks are fully aware that they will need every ounce of determination, skill, and strategy to overcome a formidable All Blacks side. But with the passionate South African fans behind them, Kolisi and his men are ready to rise to the occasion and make history at Emirates Airline Park.

Revised Springbok team to face New Zealand in Johannesburg:
15 – Aphelele Fassi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 6 caps, 15 points (3t)
14 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 35 caps, 96 points (15t, 3c, 5p)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 73 caps, 80 points (16t)
12 –Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 82 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) - 19 caps, 85 points (17t)
10 – Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 6 caps, 33 points (12c, 3p)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 34 caps, 65 points (13t)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 27 caps, 5 points (1t)
7 – Ben-Jason Dixon (DHL Stormers) – 3 caps, 5 points (1t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 86 caps, 55 points (11t)
5 – Ruan Nortje (Vodacom Bulls) – 2 caps, 0 points
4 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 81 caps, 45 points (9t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 73 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 72 caps, 70 points (14t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 33 caps, 0 points
Replacements:
16 – Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 69 caps, 95 points (19t)
17 – Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 4 caps, 0 points
18 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 54 caps, 0 points
19 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 124 caps, 30 points (6t)
20 – Elrigh Louw (Vodacom Bulls) – 6 caps, 0 points
21 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 45 caps, 40 points (8t)
22 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 13 caps, 10 points (2t)
23 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 73 caps, 734 points (7t, 99c, 162p, 5dg)

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]