South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus has officially announced his match-day 23 for the opening fixture of the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour. The announcement confirms a formidable lineup for the upcoming Springboks team Johannesburg Test, set to take place at 10bet Ellis Park on Saturday.
Consequently, the world champion host nation enters the series opener with immense experience across key positions, despite missing regular team captain Siya Kolisi through unavailability.
Springboks Team Johannesburg Test Lineup and Tactical Roster
Blindside flanker Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain South Africa in Kolisi’s absence. Du Toit anchors a powerful forward pack alongside lock Eben Etzebeth and Ruan Nortje. Etzebeth and first five-eighth Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu remain the only two players retained in the starting XV from South Africa’s previous international outing against Argentina.
Furthermore, veteran midfielder Damian de Allende brings up a historic personal landmark during this Test match. De Allende will earn his 100th Test appearance at second five-eighth, partnering Jesse Kriel in an experienced midfield combination.
The back three features dangerous attacking firepower, with Cheslin Kolbe and Kurt-Lee Arendse occupying the wings while Damian Willemse starts at fullback.
“Achieving 100 Test appearances in a rivalry of this magnitude is a remarkable milestone for Damian de Allende.”
Springboks Tactical Pairing and Forward Pack Selection
In the halves, South Africa has selected Grant Williams at halfback alongside Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu at first five-eighth. Up front, Ox Nche and Malcolm Marx team up with Wilco Louw in the starting front row, with Louw taking the tighthead prop spot.
The loose forward trio combines Jasper Wiese at No8, captain Pieter-Steph du Toit at blindside flanker, and Paul de Villiers completing the back row. Head coach Rassie Erasmus emphasized that selecting the Springboks team Johannesburg Test lineup involved finding the ideal balance between fresh personnel and experienced combinations.
Supporters following previous squad developments can review our report on Noah Hotham joining the All Blacks squad. For historical head-to-head records between the nations, check out our breakdown of the All Blacks South Africa rivalry in numbers.
Official Lineup: South Africa vs All Blacks
Springboks Starting XV: 15. Damian Willemse, 14. Cheslin Kolbe, 13. Jesse Kriel, 12. Damian de Allende, 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9. Grant Williams, 8. Jasper Wiese, 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (c), 6. Paul de Villiers, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 3. Wilco Louw, 2. Malcolm Marx, 1. Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Zachary Porthen, 19. Cobus Wiese, 20. Andre Esterhuizen, 21. Marco van Staden, 22. Cobus Reinach, 23. Manie Libbok.
For complete kickoff times and series dates, visit our updated 2026 match schedule page. Ticketing information for upcoming tour matches is available via our rugby ticket information page. Additional international tournament updates can be accessed on the official World Rugby portal.