Siya Kolisi returns but Jesse Kriel to captain Springboks

Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has confirmed that Jesse Kriel will captain the side in Saturday’s Rugby Championship clash against the All Blacks at Eden Park, even though Siya Kolisi has been cleared to start at No 8.

Erasmus explained that Kriel had already been named captain earlier in the week, and the management decided to honour that decision despite Kolisi’s availability.

Kolisi, who was doubtful due to a recent niggle, was drafted into the team after Jean-Luc du Preez picked up an injury during training.

Erasmus emphasized that Kriel was already set to lead, and it was only fair to continue with the plan.

“Jesse is a great leader, he communicates well, and he leads by example. This is a big occasion for him, and he deserves the opportunity,” Erasmus said.

The starting XV sees Kolisi joining Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden in the loose trio. Willie le Roux returns at fullback, linking up with Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie in the back three.

In the midfield, captain Kriel partners Damian de Allende, while Handré Pollard and Grant Williams form the half-back pairing. The pack is reinforced with Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, and Ox Nche in the front row, with RG Snyman and Ruan Nortje at lock.

The clash is set against the backdrop of Eden Park’s formidable record. South Africa last won at the venue in 1937, while the All Blacks have been unbeaten there since 1994.

Erasmus acknowledged the challenge, stressing the physical battle and intensity expected in Auckland.

“At that stage, Jesse had already been told he would be the captain, and it was only fair for us to keep things that way. He’s a great leader and one of the core players in our team.

"His communication with the referee and his teammates is good, and he leads by example in the way he plays, so he deserves this opportunity.

“It will also be a big occasion for him to captain the team against the All Blacks for the first time, so we are proud of Jesse, and we know he’ll carry this responsibility with great pride.”

South Africa XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche

Reserves 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker