AFP – South Africa recalled Jasper Wiese as one of nine changes but retained Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at fly-half for the Rugby Championship clash with New Zealand in Johannesburg on Saturday.
A back injury ruled veteran lock Eben Etzebeth out of the rematch of the 2023 Rugby World Cup final which the Springboks won 12-11.
Coach Rassie Erasmus changed nine of the side that started a 30-12 victory over Australia in Perth — an anticipated move as he rested many first choices for that match.
That bonus-point win lifted South Africa to 10 points in the annual southern hemisphere competition, a five-point lead over second-placed arch rivals New Zealand after two rounds.
Ahead of the team announcement, most interest centred on who would start at fly-half with Feinberg-Mngomezulu competing against vastly more experienced Handre Pollard.
Erasmus opted to give the 22-year-old, who debuted against Wales in London two months ago, the nod with double World Cup winner Pollard on the bench.
Pollard is renowned for his goal kicking; his four penalties won the 2023 World Cup final. Feinberg-Mngomezulu is more adventurous with ball in hand.
