Siya Kolisi returns as Springboks hand debuts to three forwards

South Africa captain Siya Kolisi will make his first appearance of the 2025 season as the Springboks prepare to face Georgia on Saturday at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

The match will also see three uncapped front-rowers—Boan Venter, Marnus van der Merwe, and Neethling Fouché—make their Test debuts for the national side.

Kolisi, who has been sidelined through injury since late 2024, returns to lead a restructured Springbok squad as part of the team’s efforts to build depth ahead of future international campaigns.

The Springbok pack will feature several experienced names, including Eben Etzebeth and Pieter-Steph du Toit, supporting a forward line that combines seasoned veterans with new talent. Cobus Wiese has been selected at number eight, adding versatility to the back row.

In the backline, Damian de Allende takes his place in midfield, while Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu will control play from fly-half. Aphelele Fassi and Kurt-Lee Arendse round out the back three.

Coach Rassie Erasmus praised Kolisi’s return and highlighted the work ethic of the debutants. He said the inclusion of new players is part of a deliberate plan to expand the Springboks’ player pool while maintaining competitive standards.

“We wanted to make sure that Siya is 100% fit before selecting him, so it’s great to have him back in the squad, while Boan, Marnus, and Neethling have been training hard and deserve their chance.

“Marnus and Neethling played against the Barbarians, so they have an idea of what international rugby is about, while Boan has shown great potential at club level and with the squad in the last few weeks, and we are looking forward to seeing him play.”

Erasmus also stressed the need for discipline and technical execution against a Georgian team known for its physicality.

South Africa has faced Georgia only twice before in official Test matches, with the Springboks winning both encounters. However, team management has cautioned against underestimating the visitors ahead of Saturday's match.

South Africa XV: 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Cobus Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Neethling Fouchem 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Boan Venter

Reserves: 16 Bongi Mbonambi, 17 Thomas du Toit, 18 Vincent Koch, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Faf de Klerk, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Damian Willemse