South Africa head coach Rassie Erasmus made six late changes to his starting lineup, including swapping his entire front row, before the second Test against New Zealand on August 29, a move that helped his team level the four-Test series at 1-1. The changes, announced just before kick-off, were permitted because the competition is independently administered, unlike standard World Rugby regulations that require medical dispensation for alterations within 48 hours of a match.
Erasmus's Selectorial High Jinks and Mind Games
The initial XV named by Erasmus for the second Test bore little resemblance to the team that ultimately took the field, with six of the original lineup missing. Erasmus's tactics are not new; by naming his team on a Monday and then changing it later in the week, he hijacks the narrative twice, drawing attention away from the All Blacks' renewed attacking threat. A change in weather conditions was cited as the reason for the front-row switch, but observers suggest wider-ranging mind games were at play.
According to aviation experts, a plane flying over Cape Town Stadium just before kick-off came within 12 to 14 metres of hitting the top of the stand, an incident that has sparked debate over safety risks. The flyover, involving two passenger jets, was part of a pre-game stunt that has drawn criticism.
All Blacks' Resurgence Under Dave Rennie
New Zealand, under new head coach Dave Rennie, have won the try count 9-4 across the first two Tests, showing significant improvement. The All Blacks have displayed doggedness and line-breaking ability, in contrast to England's 45-21 defeat to South Africa in Johannesburg in July. However, they need to improve their lineout and restart percentages and avoid being smothered by the Springbok scrum.
Remarkably, New Zealand have never won a multi-Test series in South Africa when the hosts have claimed one of the opening two Tests; the closest they came was a 2-2 drawn series in 1928. Key players for the All Blacks include Ardie Savea, whose dynamic play is a constant threat, and scrum-half Cam Roigard, who has been excellent. Fabian Holland's rising profile has also been noted, with some suggesting he would not look out of place in a Springbok second-row jersey.
Springboks' Physical Clout and Key Performances
South Africa are expected to improve on their sluggish first-Test performance. Siya Kolisi's return as captain visibly improved the team's body language in Cape Town. Malcolm Marx made a significant impact off the bench, and Peter-Steph du Toit continues to be a remarkable presence. Eben Etzebeth's second-Test display was particularly impressive, and the Boks' forward strength in depth will be hard to resist over four Tests.
Referee Nika Amashukeli, who was ruled out of the second Test through illness, has become something of a lucky charm for the Boks, having presided over their 43-10 victory over New Zealand in Wellington a year ago. Erasmus is likely to point this out this week, as he misses nothing.
Erasmus's Warning and the Road Ahead
On Monday, Erasmus unveiled his side early again and predicted New Zealand will come even harder in the next Test in Soweto. "We know how it felt after the first match in Johannesburg and such a result really galvanises a team," warned Erasmus. "This game is going to be equally, if not more intense than the last two. They are one of the two best teams in the world and, based on experience, they never give up."
Erasmus indicated he won't swap his nominated front row this week, and if South Africa come hard from the start and compete well in the air, New Zealand will need something special. If Rennie's side can head to the final Test in Baltimore 2-1 up in the series, it will rank among the greatest of modern-day heists.
In other news, the death of Sir Billy Boston has united rugby union and league in mourning. Boston, who cried after signing for Wigan because it meant his dreams of playing union for Cardiff and Wales were over, was a trailblazer. The reluctance of Cardiff to sign black players at the time was another factor in his move north, making his achievements all the more impactful.
Joel Stransky and Zinzan Brooke were both inducted into World Rugby's Hall of Fame last week, with five more additions expected next Monday, bringing the total to 182 since the Hall began in 2006. On 2 September 2006, South Africa ended the All Blacks' 15-Test run with a 21-20 victory in Rustenburg, secured by a 78th-minute penalty from André Pretorius.
