Overview
- Cheslin Kolbe starts at fullback, with Kurt-Lee Arendse, Franco Mostert and Lood de Jager returning to the lineup.
- Zachary Porthen makes his Test debut at tighthead and is set to become the youngest prop to start for the Boks in the professional era, according to reports.
- Coaches and players stress slowing Japan’s quick ball and contesting the breakdown and aerial battle as the key to control.
- Eddie Jones’ Japan arrive after a narrow 19-15 loss to Australia and are seen as a tactically sharper threat.
- Erasmus highlights deliberate rotation for a five-match tour and signals that next week’s Paris selection will look different.