The Springboks start their Greatest Rivalry Tour with the All Blacks on Saturday at Ellis Park.
The All Blacks have already had three tour games and they have defeated the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls.
Rassie Erasmus will be choosing a team who are all in great for in the green and gold jersey. The Springboks haven’t lost since last September when they were defeated by the All Blacks. They have won 13 matches (12 tests) in a row since then, including a narrow victory in Buenos Aires earlier this month.
Rassie has used recent test matches to rotate his team and build up squad depth ahead of the 2027 World Cup, where the Springboks will be looking to win three World Cups in a row.
1 Ox Nche
Ox is one of the greatest in this generation of props and the World Cup winner will be looking to dominate the scrum for the Springboks and earn some momentum and penalties.
2 Malcolm Marx
Marx is a clear first choice for Erasmus and as the 2025 World Player of the Year will looking to continue an undefeated campaign as he will look to compete for the individual award once again.
3 Thomas Du Toit
The Tank was outstanding for Bath last year and his power was on show weekly in both the scrum and through his ability to finish from a close range. Erasmus has great depth at tighthead with Louw likely to end up on the bench, but Rassie is normally keen to change the front row in the early stages of the first half.
4 Eben Etzebeth ©
Etzebeth is simply one of the best, if not the best in the world in his position. His lineout abilities matched up with his physique and power around the park are what make him essential to try and overpower the All Blacks inexperienced pack.
5 Ruan Nortje
Nortje was outstanding for the Bulls this year and earned a starting place in the two main games of the Rugby Nations Championship against England and Scotland. He helps run a strong lineout and is powerful in the second row of the scrum.
6 Paul De Villiers
De Villiers had a brilliant Rugby Nations Championship, proving that he is more than ready for the Green and Gold. Captain, Siya Kolisi picked up an injury in the test against Argentina and will miss the majority of the series. De Villiers could offer more than Kolisi around the park, but his leadership qualities will be missed.
7 Pieter Steph-Du-Toit
PSDT is surely one of the first names on the teamsheet for Rassie every game. He will tackle anything that moves and get his head in places many others wouldn’t. The two time World Rugby player of the year.
8 Jasper Wiese
Wiese had been an easy first-choice for Erasmus and he had already commented that the back rower will be starting the first test. This question came after Cameron Hanekom had a standout performance against Argentina and is a ready replacement should Wiese ever pick up and need a break.
9 Cobus Reinach
Reinach was trusted with the starting jersey in Argentina and I don’t think this was by accident. Erasmus allowed Reinach to build up his partnership with Feinberg-Mngomezulu. Grant Williams is another possibility here but I think Erasmus will go for the Stormers scrum-half.
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
Feinberg-Mngomezulu picked up a serious injury for the Stormers during the season, but has made a speedy recovery and despite lots of competition of each style, I think Erasmus will back the man he gave the reins to last year. SFM brings the ball to the line but also has the ability to pull it out the back and release the rest of his backline. This variation is what makes him so dangerous and allows the backline to take advantage of the platform the forwards can provide in front of them.
11 Ethan Hooker
Hooker had a great game against Argentina and is fantastic aerially and defensively. This could be what makes Hooker an essential pick for Erasmus. He only has 10 caps so far, scoring two in those games. This is one of the positions that Erasmus could use any range of players.
12 Damian De Allende
De Allende has the almost unique quality of being one of the best in the world, while also still being underrated.
De Allende is sitting on 99 caps and this game will bring him to his milestone 100th cap.
13 Jesse Kriel
Kriel is another centre on his way to 100 Springboks caps. By the time the 2027 World Cup he will be hitting 100 caps. Kriel is a workhorse and also has incredible to speed. Making his debut in 2015, he has played at three World Cups and will bring a wealth of experience to the Greatest Rivalry Tour.
14 Cheslin Kolbe
Kolbe has been the gold standard of wingers in recent years, bringing his lightning quick pace with a genuine ability in the air despite his small visible stature. He is smart on defence and the contest between him and Will Jordan if fit, will be one of the showcases of this test series.
15 Damian Willemse
Willemse has been a part of both World Cup winning squads in 2019 and 2023, becoming one of the best fullbacks in the world in the process. The Stormers man offers great aerial ability and kicks well from hand, this will be a crucial contest against the All Blacks.
