First Quarter Wobbles Condemn Boks to Painful Defeat in Auckland, Team Reset for Wellington Rematch
- Karen Scheepers
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
The Springboks’ long drought at Eden Park continues following a harsh 24–17 loss to the All Blacks in Auckland on Saturday, 6 September 2025. Costly early errors under wet conditions proved decisive, though a fierce comeback in the second half gave them hope. Now, attention turns to Wellington, where the Boks have named a refreshed lineup in search of redemption this Saturday, 13 September.
Analysis: A Tale of Two Halves
This match epitomised contrasting fortunes. The opening 17 minutes, marred by poor execution, were costly. Conversely, the Boks’ third-quarter resurgence showed what they can offer when precision, physicality, and composure align. Their forward pack impressed, but lineout frailties and sloppy handling in slippery conditions proved fatal.
Team Changes: Building for Wellington
In the aftermath, coach Rassie Erasmus has overhauled the lineup ahead of the rematch in Wellington. The new starting XV and bench aim to blend power, precision, and fresh energy.
Starting XV:
15. Aphelele Fassi (fullback)14. Cheslin Kolbe (wing)13. Canan Moodie (outside centre)12. Damian Willemse (inside centre)11. Ethan Hooker (wing)10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (fly-half)9. Cobus Reinach (scrum-half)8. Jasper Wiese (number eight, returning from suspension)7. Pieter-Steph du Toit (flanker)6. Siya Kolisi (blindside flanker & captain)5. Ruan Nortje (lock)4. Lood de Jager (lock, returns for lineout strength)3. Thomas du Toit (prop)2. Malcolm Marx (hooker)1. Ox Nche (prop)
Replacements:16. Marnus van der Merwe17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels18. Wilco Louw19. RG Snyman20. Kwagga Smith21. Grant Williams22. Manie Libbok23. Andre Esterhuizen
This reshuffle reflects Erasmus’s dual priorities: address the shortcomings seen in Auckland and continue building squad depth amid long-term plans toward the 2027 World Cup .
The Final Word
Eden Park remains as elusive as ever, but Wellington offers South Africa a vital reset. The late scraps in Auckland revealed the team's gumption; now, the challenge is combining that resolve with clinical execution for a full 80-minute performance. The new-look side carries renewed energy, cohesion, and purpose. This Saturday, they have a chance not only to reclaim pride but also to step closer to Rugby Championship ambitions.
Image Credit to : Springboks
🔥🇿🇦🏉🆚🇳🇿
Comments