Springboks Squad Announced: Jesse Kriel to Captain Against All Blacks at Eden Park
- The Springboks squad for the Eden Park clash has been named, breaking away from the usual announcement schedule
- Jesse Kriel will captain the side in a high-stakes match against the All Blacks, with Kolisi returning from injury
- Erasmus stressed that the team must execute their plans and match the intensity of this historically challenging venue
The Springboks squad for Saturday’s clash against the All Blacks at Eden Park, Auckland, has been confirmed by head coach Rassie Erasmus.
Breaking from tradition, Erasmus announced the team on Thursday morning, instead of his usual Monday or Tuesday reveals during previous matches against Australia.
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Speculation was rife about the squad, particularly regarding Kolisi's fitness. Erasmus opted for experience over experimentation, naming Jesse Kriel as captain for the match.
While Kriel has led the team before this season, this will be the first time he does so with Kolisi present. Kolisi returns from a minor injury and will play at number 8, the same position he occupied during the Wallabies match at Ellis Park.
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Which key players are in the lineup?
Pieter-Steph du Toit will start at blindside, with Marco van Staden at openside. Veteran fullback Willie Le Roux returns for his 101st Test match, pairing with flyhalf Handre Pollard and scrumhalf Grant Williams in the halfback combination. Eben Etzebeth will further extend his Test appearances to 136.
Erasmus emphasized that the squad was chosen for its strength and proven experience. He noted that many of the players had performed well against New Zealand in the past, but acknowledged that playing at Eden Park represents a significantly tougher challenge than recent encounters, given the All Blacks’ formidable record at the venue.
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What does Erasmus expect from the match?
Erasmus expects the game to be intense and emotionally charged, reflecting the long-standing rivalry between the two sides. He said the All Blacks have named a strong side with a powerful forward pack and dynamic backs, making the challenge clear.
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He stressed the importance of executing their game plan, matching the All Blacks’ intensity, and maintaining focus both mentally and physically, with every point likely to be decisive.
He also explained his decision to hand Kriel the captaincy. Kolisi’s injury meant that he was initially uncertain for the match, and with Jean-Luc du Preez sidelined due to a training injury, Kolisi returned to play at number 8.
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Erasmus added that Kriel’s leadership, communication with referees and teammates, and example on the field made him the natural choice to retain the captaincy.
The Springboks will be aiming to end a long drought at Eden Park, where they have not beaten the All Blacks since 1937.
Eben Etzebeth makes history at Ellis Park
Briefly News previously reported that the Springboks veteran Eben Etzebeth made history in August at Ellis Park Stadium in the Rugby Championship clash against Australia.
The Boks, however, endured heartbreak after surrendering a commanding 22-0 lead to suffer a crushing 22-38 defeat.
It was their first loss to Australia at Ellis Park since 1963, and ended a 12-year unbeaten home run against the Wallabies.
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Source: Briefly News
