Overview
- Handré Pollard was withdrawn after picking up a training niggle that was assessed on Friday, and Sacha Feinberg‑Mngomezulu was promoted to start at fly‑half with Manie Libbok added to the bench as cover.
- Cheslin Kolbe was declared fit and drafted into the starting XV in place of Kurt‑Lee Arendse, who drops out of the matchday 23 with concussion concerns.
- The second Test kicks off at 17:10 at DHL Stadium in Cape Town and is a must‑win for the Springboks to level the four‑match series and restore the world No.1 ranking.
- Coaches say Pollard’s late absence alters game‑management options because his kicking and tactical control would have shaped South Africa’s attacking plan.
- The changes come after New Zealand’s 33‑16 win in the opening Test and arrive within a compressed tour schedule that heightens selection, fitness and replacement‑depth pressures.