Boks and Bok Women Ready for Historic Double-Header Against New Zealand at FNB Stadium
Fresh off a thrilling 33-26 victory over the All Blacks that leveled their four-match series, the Springbok men aim to take the lead before heading to the United States for the series finale. Meanwhile, the Springbok Women face a landmark moment of their own, hosting the Black Ferns on South African soil for the very first time. With pivotal selection shifts, milestone individual achievements, and massive home support on the horizon, both national teams are gearing up for an intense day of Test rugby.
Tactical Shifts and Key Recalls for the Men’s Test
Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has made calculated adjustments to his match-23 following the hard-fought win in Johannesburg. Up front, the starting front-row trio of Ox Nche, Wilco Louw, and Malcolm Marx returns to the starting lineup, pushing Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, and Deon Fourie to the bench.
Injuries have forced a reshuffle in the backline. With Damian Willemse and Handre Pollard unavailable, Cheslin Kolbe moves to fullback, opening space for Kurt-Lee Arendse to start on the wing. Arendse brings remarkable strike power, boasting 25 tries in his 33 Test appearances. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu retains the flyhalf jersey to partner Cobus Reinach in the halfbacks.
Springbok Men's Match-23: 15 Cheslin Kolbe, 14 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Deon Fourie, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Thomas du Toit, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Andre Esterhuizen, 21 Cameron Hanekom, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Manie Libbok.
Milestones and Historical Context
The clash presents several significant historical benchmarks for South Africa:
Eben Etzebeth extends his record as the most-capped Springbok in history, earning his 145th Test cap.
The loose trio of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese will set a new record for the most Test starts together as a trio (17 starts), surpassing the mark previously shared with Francois Louw, Willem Alberts, and Duane Vermeulen.
Deon Fourie continues to set the record as the oldest Springbok Test player, extending his mark at 39 years of age.
The Springboks look to break a venue jinx at FNB Stadium, where the All Blacks won both previous encounters in 2010 (29-22) and 2012 (32-16).
Historic Test Debut on Local Soil for Springbok Women
Preceding the men’s match, the Springbok Women kick off a ground-breaking event as they host the World Champion Black Ferns for the first time in South Africa. Co-coaches Laurian Johannes-Haupt and Franzel September have named a settled squad led by prop Babalwa Latsha.
The team features six forwards who started against New Zealand during the Rugby World Cup quarter-final in England last year. In the engine room, Vainah Ubisi joins Danelle Lochner, while Catha Jacobs slots into the back row alongside Sizophila Solontsi and Aseza Hele. Unam Tose starts at scrumhalf in place of the injured Nadine Roos, while Alichia Arries earns a start on the wing.
Springbok Women's Match-23: 15 Byrhandré Dolf, 14 Alichia Arries, 13 Zintle Mpupha, 12 Aphiwe Ngwevu, 11 Ayanda Malinga, 10 Libbie Janse van Rensburg, 9 Unam Tose, 8 Aseza Hele, 7 Catha Jacobs, 6 Sizophila Solontsi, 5 Danelle Lochner, 4 Vainah Ubisi, 3 Babalwa Latsha (c), 2 Lindelwa Gwala, 1 Sanelisiwe Charlie.
Replacements: 16 Anushka Groenewald, 17 Yonela Ngxingolo, 18 Nombuyekezo Mdliki, 19 Nomsa Mokwai, 20 Shiniqwa Lamprecht, 21 Logan Welman, 22 Anacadia Minnaar, 23 Maceala Samboya.
Final whistle
Saturday’s action at FNB Stadium represents a monumental occasion for South African rugby. For the men, taking a series lead against an All Black side desperate for redemption requires tactical discipline, physical dominance, and composure amidst the roar of an 80,000-strong crowd. For the women, stepping onto the field against the Black Ferns in front of a home audience marks a crucial stepping stone in the team's ongoing growth and international standing. As both South African teams prepare to defend home turf against their premier southern hemisphere rivals, fans are set for an unmissable afternoon of relentless Test rugby.
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