South Africa name Handre Pollard at fly-half for game against All Blacks

South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has named fly-half Handre Pollard for the upcoming Rugby Championship clash against New Zealand to be played in Wellington.

Pollard takes the number 10 position from Elton Jantjies, who now moves to the bench while an injury to Makazole Mapimpi sees Jesse Kriel shifted to right wing with Lukhanyo Am drafted at 13.

The final change sees Bongi Mbonambi dropping to the bench and Malcolm Marx takes charge as hooker while Embrose Papier goes out of the matchday 23 squad with his place among the replacements taken by Ross Cronje.

“We have to deliver a much-improved performance against the All Blacks,” said Erasmus.

“Keeping our discipline and retaining possession will be key, because New Zealand’s ability to counter from turnover ball is well-known.

“That means we have to be patient, our decision-making must be good and we have to capitalise on the opportunities that we create. The traditional rivalry between the two countries mean we can expect a huge physical battle.”

South Africa with six points from three games are at second position in the table and will face All Blacks next at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

South Africa line-up: Willie le Roux, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handré Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi, Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff

Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Francois Louw, Ross Cronjé, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe