Springboks Make Changes for Rugby Championship Rematch Against New Zealand
South Africa: Etzebeth, Pollard, De Allende, Kriel, and Le Roux are all unavailable for the re-match against New Zealand
The South African rugby team, the Springboks, are set to face New Zealand in a rematch on September 13, in Wellington, New Zealand. After a disappointing loss in the third round of the Rugby Championship (24-17), the Springboks are aiming to bounce back with a better performance.
Coach Rassie Erasmus has significantly revamped the three-quarter line for the rematch, seeking to provide offensive power and make the backline shine. Canan Moodie will move from the wing to the center, forming an unprecedented pair with Damian Willemse. Willemse, a usual fly-half or fullback, will take on a new role as the starting fly-half for this match.
Ethan Fassi, with only two caps, will make his debut at fullback for the Springboks. Meanwhile, Cobus Reinach is preferred to Grant Williams as the associate half-back. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (23) starts at fly-half in place of Handré Pollard.
Some of the experienced players, such as Eben Etzebeth, Willie Le Roux, Jesse Kriel, Damian De Allende, and Pollard himself, have been left out of the squad for the rematch.
This rematch presents an opportunity for the Springboks to test their new players against the world's top-ranked team, New Zealand. The team is hoping to see what some of the players can do against the All Blacks and potentially find some new strengths to build upon.
The five players mentioned above account for a total of 495 selections and have participated in the last two World Cup titles, in 2019 and 2023. Their absence from the squad for the rematch indicates a desire for fresh faces and new strategies from the Springboks.
Cheslin Kolbe is the only player who keeps his place on the wing for the rematch. The Springboks will be looking to him for his speed, skill, and experience to help them turn the tide against New Zealand.
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