The Springboks have named a powerful side for the opening clash of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks, with Siya Kolisi missing out as Damian de Allende is set to reach a major milestone when the two giants meet at Ellis Park in Johannesburg on Saturday.
The eagerly anticipated encounter will be the first of four consecutive Tests between South Africa and New Zealand and is expected to set the tone for what promises to be a memorable series.
The match will kick off at 6:10pm EAT on Saturday, August 22, with the encounter to be broadcast live on SuperSport.
ALSO READ: South Africa vs New Zealand: All Blacks name strong line-up for first Springboks test in Johannesburg
For De Allende, the occasion will be particularly special as he prepares to become only the 10th player in Springbok history to win 100 Test caps. The centre made his international debut against Argentina in 2014 and has since established himself as one of South Africa’s most trusted midfielders.
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus is delighted to see De Allende reach the landmark but believes the veteran centre will remain focused on the task at hand.
“We are all very excited for Damian and to achieve this milestone in this series makes it even more special,” Erasmus said.
“He’s a great team man and servant to the game, so we hope we can make it a memorable day for him. That said, his focus all week has only been on this match and he will certainly not let the occasion shadow what he has to do on the field.”
The squad features a blend of experienced campaigners and players who remained in South Africa to prepare for the four-Test series, with Pieter-Steph du Toit named captain.
Only Eben Etzebeth and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retain their places in the starting XV from the Springboks’ 17-10 victory over Argentina. Several other players who featured in Buenos Aires have been included among the replacements.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu will partner Grant Williams at halfback, while Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse occupy the wings. Damian Willemse starts at fullback, with De Allende pairing up with Jesse Kriel in the centre.
Up front, Ox Nche returns from injury to join Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw in the front row. Etzebeth will be partnered by Ruan Nortje in the second row, while Paul de Villiers, captain Du Toit and Jasper Wiese make up the loose trio.
Coach Erasmus explains Kolisi absence
One of the notable talking points from the selection is the absence of regular Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, who has not been included in the match-day squad.
Erasmus explained that the decision was taken as a precaution as South Africa prepare for four Tests against New Zealand.
“Siya trained well with us this week, and although we could have selected him for this clash, we thought it would be best to select Paul (de Villiers) for this weekend’s game,” Erasmus said.
“We are playing four Tests against the All Blacks and Paul has been playing well, so we are excited to give him a chance this weekend in what will be his first Test match against New Zealand, while taking a precautionary approach to Siya’s return.”
The coach added that selection will be handled on a match-by-match basis throughout the series.
“We have a solid group of players, and each one of them deserves their places in the squad, so we will approach team selection week by week,” Erasmus said.
With the All Blacks arriving in Johannesburg as the world’s second-ranked side, Erasmus expects the opening Test to be a demanding contest from the first whistle.
The Springboks have won five of their last six meetings against New Zealand, including the 2023 Rugby World Cup final, but Erasmus does not expect that record to make Saturday’s encounter any easier.
“They are a quality team and they’re very well coached, so we are preparing for an 80-minute grind,” he said.
“They have a well-rounded squad with physical forwards and an exciting backline, so we have to be sharp and accurate in our execution from the outset.”
The Springbok coach also stressed the importance of discipline and taking advantage of scoring opportunities.
“Many of the matches between the sides have come down to the wire, so it’s important that we use the chances we create and ensure that our discipline is on point,” Erasmus added.
“It’s going to be a big battle, but the entire squad is excited about the match and are looking forward to it.”
The Springboks will also be looking to build on their 31-27 victory over the All Blacks when the teams last met in Johannesburg in 2024.
De Allende is not the only player approaching a significant milestone. Du Toit will earn his 99th Test cap and needs just one more appearance to join the Springbok centurions.
Etzebeth, meanwhile, will extend his record as South Africa’s most capped player to 143 Tests. Nche is set to make his 49th appearance and is one match away from reaching 50, while Wiese needs three more caps to achieve the same landmark.
The Springboks have played New Zealand 110 times, winning 43, losing 63 and drawing four. South Africa have scored 1,850 points against the All Blacks, while conceding 2,269.
The Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series also marks the first traditional tour of South Africa by the All Blacks since 1996, adding another layer of history to an already storied contest.
South Africa vs New Zealand: Springboks squad to face All Blacks
- Damian Willemse– 52 caps
- Cheslin Kolbe – 50 caps
- Jesse Kriel– 90 caps
- Damian de Allende– 99 caps
- Kurt-Lee Arendse– 32 caps
- Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezul– 20 caps
- Grant Williams – 30 caps
- Jasper Wiese– 46 caps
- Pieter-Steph du Toit (captain) – 98 caps
- Paul de Villiers – 3 caps
- Ruan Nortje – 20 caps
- Eben Etzebeth – 142 caps
- Wilco Louw – 31 caps
- Malcolm Marx – 89 caps
- Ox Nche– 48 caps
Replacements
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels– 13 caps
- Gerhard Steenekamp – 19 caps
- Zachary Porthen– 6 caps
- Cobus Wiese – 5 caps
- Andre Esterhuizen– 31 caps
21.Marco van Staden– 36 caps - Cobus Reinach– 53 caps
23.ManieLibbok–30caps
MATCH INFORMATION:
South Africa vs New Zealand
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Date: Saturday, August 22, 2026
Kick-off:6:10pm EAT
Broadcast: SuperSport
With De Allende chasing history and the Springboks aiming to start the series with a victory, Ellis Park is set for another heavyweight chapter in one of rugby’s greatest rivalries.
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