Cheslin Kolbe has been drafted into the South Africa team to face New Zealand this Saturday in Cape Town. The wing returns after recovering from a knock that kept him out of the first Test, as head coach Rassie Erasmus makes significant changes following a series-opening defeat.
South Africa currently sit second in their FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifying group, having taken four points from three games with a record of one win, one draw and one loss. Their recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses in their last five matches, including a 1-0 loss to Canada in late June. They trail group leaders Mexico by five points.
What changes has Rassie Erasmus made?
Head coach Rassie Erasmus has reshuffled his backline for the crucial second Test. Kolbe's return sees him start on the wing in place of Kurt-Lee Arendse, who left the field early in the first Test with concussion and drops out of the matchday 23 entirely. The more surprising switch is at fly-half, where Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu is promoted back to the starting role. He was demoted to the bench after a poor performance last weekend but now steps in for the injured Handre Pollard, who picked up a training niggle on Wednesday. Manie Libbok, initially omitted from the 23, has been added to the bench in Feinberg-Mngomezulu's former spot.
Erasmus confirmed Kolbe's fitness to The 42, stating, "Kolbe has fully recovered." The experienced wing's inclusion provides a major boost for a side that conceded three tries in a 33-16 loss in Johannesburg. The All Blacks' win, built on clinical finishing including a double from wing Will Jordan, put them one up in the four-match series.
How does the pack look for the Springboks?
The forward pack welcomes back its leader. Captain Siya Kolisi returns to the openside flanker position after missing the first Test with a hamstring injury. The 35-year-old will earn his 105th cap, replacing the less experienced Paul de Villiers, who has four caps. Kolisi's leadership and physical presence are considered vital for a must-win encounter at home. You can view the full updated squad on our squad page.
The rest of the starting pack remains powerful, with Jasper Wiese, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Eben Etzebeth and Malcolm Marx all retained. The bench includes experienced forwards like Deon Fourie, Thomas du Toit and Lood de Jager, offering impact options for the second half.
Why is this match so important for South Africa?
This match is a must-win for South Africa to keep the series alive and build momentum ahead of their World Cup qualifying campaign. Falling 2-0 behind to New Zealand with two Tests remaining would be a difficult position to recover from. The team's recent international results, including that loss to Canada, have increased the pressure for a strong performance. A victory would also help address a negative goal difference in World Cup qualifying, where they have scored two and conceded three.
The context of the wider World Cup 2026 race adds significance. Every performance and result is being scrutinised as the team aims to close the five-point gap to Mexico at the top of the standings. Fans can track the evolving qualification picture on our standings page. The selected team, blending Kolbe's X-factor with Kolisi's steadying influence, is designed to stop the All Blacks' momentum and level the series.
What is the full team for the Cape Town Test?
The starting XV shows two backline changes from the first Test loss. Damian Willemse starts at fullback, with Kolbe and Ethan Hooker on the wings. Jesse Kriel and Damian de Allende form the centre partnership. Feinberg-Mngomezulu and Cobus Reinach are the half-backs.
The pack is led by Kolisi alongside Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese in the back row. The second row sees Eben Etzebeth partnered with Ruan Nortje. The front row consists of Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw. The replacements bench offers versatility: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, Andre Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Morne van den Berg and Manie Libbok. For detailed player statistics, visit our stats section.
The stage is set for a high-stakes response in Cape Town. South Africa must improve defensively after last week's lapses and find more attacking fluency to overcome a confident New Zealand side. The return of key personnel provides the foundation for that fightback.
