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For the second successive week the Boks lost their number five lock in Franco Mostert (for a tackle to the head of Italian flyhalf Paolo Garbisi) as the second man entering the tackle – except this time it was in the 12th minute.

That left an experimental side with new combinations across the field facing 68 minutes with a man down against an Italian team which had recorded a famous victory over Australia a week before.

Almost miraculously, 68 minutes later, the Boks had scored four tries to one in delivering a win that will never be forgotten for its bravery, guts and ultimately superior power and skill.

Mind you, the game was in the balance as late as the 52nd minute – despite the final margin of 18 points – when Garbisi’s third penalty goal closed the Boks’ lead to one point. And with Bok No 8 Marco van Staden dispatched to the sideline for 10 minutes for the offence which granted the penalty, the Boks were down to 13 men.

But, incredibly, they were to score three more tries in that final half hour from Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams and Ethan Hooker – to add to Van Staden’s first half score – to secure a famous victory.

The sending off of Mostert had turned the Springbok replacements’ bench into a revolving door as coach Rassie Erasmus made a series of rapid changes to address the loss of his lock and a struggling scrum.

Italy won a series of penalties at that phase – even after the replacements in the front row – but almost miraculously the Boks managed to lead at halftime after the changes had been made.

Flank Ben-Jason Dixon gave way for lock Ruan Nortje after 12 minutes; seven minutes later prop Zachary Porthen was replaced by Wilco Louw and Boan Venter followed him four minutes later from the other side of the front row in favour of Gerhard Steenekamp.

And the quartet of changes was completed a further four minutes later when Andre Esterhuizen came to fulfil the hybrid role of flanker and centre with wing Kurt-Lee Arendse the man to be sacrificed.

In that first half hour the Boks barely got out of their half, and it took a determined defensive display to keep the home side at bay. It seemed the dam must crack at any moment.

But that would be to disregard the sheer bloody-mindedness of this Bok generation and the first time they found their way into the home team’s 22, they took the lead.

They turned the Azzurri around with a high kicking game and Handre Pollard popped over a penalty goal from right in front – for offside – after his successful drop goal from further back had been ruled out for an illegal block by Louw.

Garbisi – who had uncharacteristically missed two shots at goal at that stage – finally got Italy on the board after 36 minutes for a scrum penalty right in front, before the Boks grabbed an unlikely lead on the stroke of halftime.

The high kick tactic gave them an attacking scrum and from a resulting free kick at the phase a series of pick-and-go’s ended with Van Staden being driven over next the left-hand upright for Pollard to goal.

The changes continued at the start of the second half with all the forward replacements on the field by the 50th minute but the Boks saw their lead being eroded by the boot of Garbisi as they continued to fight a rearguard action.

He landed penalty goals in the 43rd and 52nd minutes – the second for cynical play by Van Staden that led to his yellow card – but the Boks didn’t lose their composure and Pollard pulled one back in the 56th minute when Italy No 8 Lorenzo Cannone was given ten minutes in the sin bin for a head clash on an upright tackle on Kwagga Smith.

The Boks managed to extend their lead with the teams reduced to 13 versus 14, when Van den Berg profited from a wheeling attacking scrum in the shadow of the poles to dart forward. Although he was tackled on the line, he was able to place the ball.

Italy finally broke the defensive line through the gliding brilliance of fullback Ange Capuozzo – although it took them 65 minutes to do it. He timed his run beautifully to take an inside pass and pierce a slow-to-fold defensive line to score from 25 metres.

Garbisi’s kicking woes continued as he missed the straightforward conversion, but Italian misery was not complete as a sensational try – completed by replacement scrumhalf Grant Williams – left the home side needing to score twice in the final eight minutes.

The excellent Damian Willemse collected a kick in his own half and the ball was moved to the left where Canan Moodie went outside the Italian cover before passing inside to the supporting Williams to scamper in by the posts.

It left Italy 13 points adrift with eight minutes remaining but if anyone looked like scoring after that it was the Boks and a Manie Libbok crossfield kick picked out Hooker on the right-hand touchline to duly have the final say with his first try for South Africa.

Libbok’s conversion was timed out with the match clock in the red, and while the Bok flyhalf reasoned that the Italians had encroached before he had begun his run up. Referee James Doleman was having none of it, as he called time on a chaotic and memorable victory.

Scorers:

Italy 14 (3) – Try: Ange Capuozzo.
Penalty goals: Paolo Garbisi (3).

Springboks 32 (10) – Tries: Marco van Staden, Morne van den Berg, Grant Williams, Ethan Hooker.
Conversions: Handre Pollard (2), Manie Libbok.
Penalty goals: Pollard (2).

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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With several talented playmakers in the squad, each bringing a unique skillset to the table, the decision could prove pivotal in shaping the flow of the game.

Whether it’s the creativity and flair of Manie Libbok, the tactical control and experience of Handré Pollard, or the youthful versatility of Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, the choice at fly-half will be central to how the Boks approach this crucial encounter.

Ahead of the Springboks’ final Castle Lager Rugby Championship encounter against Argentina, SportsClub looks at who should start at No. 10 for South Africa.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu

• Play with tempo, trust his attacking instincts.
• Use varied kicks (cross-field, grubbers) to test Argentina’s back three.
• Give him license to run at gaps and link with Kolbe/Arendse.
• Pollard/Libbok ready from the bench for game management if momentum shifts.

Handré Pollard

• Prioritise territory + scoreboard pressure through penalties.
• Structured game plan, build scoreboard gradually.
• Boks lean forward for dominance; backs play tighter.
• Safe option if expecting a brutal, low-scoring test.

Manie Libbok

• Open, running rugby—faster phase play.
• Attack wider channels early to stretch Argentina.
• Riskier, but could break open a cagey match if Argentina defends narrowly.

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From seasoned campaigners bringing leadership and power, to rising stars eager to stamp their mark, the match promises standout performances across the park.

Here are some of the players to watch as the Boks look to assert their dominance against the Argentines.

Springboks

Siya Kolisi – The inspirational skipper, always leading with physicality and work rate.

Handré Pollard – Calm under pressure, his game management and goal-kicking will be crucial.

Eben Etzebeth – Brings power and aggression in the engine room, a nightmare for opposition lineouts.

Kurt-Lee Arendse – Electric pace and finishing ability, capable of turning half-chances into points.

Pumas

Julián Montoya – The captain and hooker, relentless at the breakdown and a leader in the pack.

Emiliano Boffelli – Deadly with the boot and a classy finisher out wide.

Marcos Kremer – Brings hard hits and tireless work on defence.

Mateo Carreras – Speedy winger with the flair to trouble the Bok defence.

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The pair start together for the 25th time, moving past Joost van der Westhuizen and Henry Honiball (24 Tests), to make them the most experienced halfbacks in Springbok history.

They are among a starting team which features 10 players who started in the RWC final four years ago and is the most experienced in Springbok history with a combined total of 987 caps (eclipsing the record set the previous week against Egland of 895 Test caps).

A further four players on the bench also featured in the match-23 in the final at Yokohama Stadium, while 15 of the players in the squad appeared in the Springboks’ 35-7 victory the last time South Africa and New Zealand met at Twickenham in August.

Only two players in Nienaber’s forward pack did not start the 2019 final – lock Franco Mostert and prop Steven Kitshoff – with both playing off the bench four years ago. Mostert is paired once again with Eben Etzebeth, while Kitshoff partners hooker Bongi Mbonambi and prop Frans Malherbe in the front row.

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit (both flankers) and Duane Vermeulen (No 8) will again unite in an impactful loose trio.

In the backline, Pollard and De Klerk – who started on the replacements’ bench in the semi-final against England and the quarter-final against France – replace the duo of Manie Libbok and Cobus Reinach, who both drop out of the 23 to accommodate a split of seven forwards and one back on the bench.

The rest of the backline remains unchanged with Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel patrolling the midfield and the back three of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse (both wings) and Damian Willemse (fullback) further sparking the backline.

No 8 Jasper Wiese and lock Jean Kleyn are drafted onto the bench, having been among the non-playing squad last week.

The only enforced change among the replacements is at prop where Trevor Nyakane replaces Vincent Koch, who is nursing a knee injury. He joins Ox Nche and Deon Fourie as front-row cover, while the Munster duo of RG Snyman and Kleyn will serve as the back-up locks, and Kwagga Smith and Wiese the back-up loose forwards.

The backline player on the bench is fullback Willie le Roux.

“This is an experienced team with several players who played in the last Rugby World Cup final and who know exactly what to expect at Stade de France on Saturday and what it will take to retain the title,” said Nienaber.

“The players who will be playing in their first World Cup final have also proven their worth as warriors throughout this campaign and they are all ready for this massive occasion.

“We have said many times that we pick teams for varying gameplans depending on the opponent and that we use all 23 players to try and achieve those goals.

“We’ve gone from a five-three bench split to a seven-one split to give us the best chance of being successful. We have plans in place to mitigate for injuries in the backline, but we’re excited about our plan and we embrace the risk.”

Nienaber thanked the non-playing members of the squad for their contribution to a season-long campaign which has seen the coaches manage the load and develop combinations among 42 players in 12 matches.

“This a huge day for the entire squad – and the guys who played for us earlier in the season,” he said.

“As a coaching team we are proud of the contribution that every player in the larger squad made in getting us to the final to create this opportunity.

“We know we are in for a colossal battle. Every point and inch will count in this match and we know it will take another top-class effort to come out on top on Saturday.”

Nienaber stressed the importance of taking every point-scoring chance that is created while delivering a powerful and accurate performance in the set pieces and on defence. He said the squad was focused on making the country and the team’s 60 million plus supporters proud this weekend.

“The messages of support and videos from home have inspired us immensely and we know the magnitude of this occasion, not just for the players and management – who have made huge sacrifices to get us here – but for what this day means for our country,” said Nienaber.

“We are proud of the fact that we have given some hope and excitement to so many people in the last few months, and we’ll give everything to bring further joy to our wonderful nation on Saturday.”

The Bok coach expected a powerful onslaught from the All Blacks and said they posed threats in every aspect of the game: “Matches between the Springboks and All Blacks are always special and hard-fought, and with this being a World Cup final, the rivalry is expected to be more intense. They have an experienced squad with a physical pack and a backline that can create magic from nothing, so we’ll have to be at our best on attack and defence to get the result.”

Springbok team to face New Zealand in the Rugby World Cup final:
15 – Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 38 caps, 56 pts (4t, 9c, 4p, 2d)
14 – Kurt-Lee Arendse (Vodacom Bulls) – 14 caps, 65 points (13t)
13 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 67 caps, 75 points (15t)
12 – Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 77 caps, 55 points (11t)
11 – Cheslin Kolbe (Suntory Sungoliath) – 30 caps, 91 points (14t, 3c, 5p)
10 – Handré Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 68 caps, 686 points (7t, 96c, 148p, 5dg)
9 – Faf de Klerk (Canon Eagles) – 54 caps, 50 points (5t, 5c, 5pg)
8 – Duane Vermeulen (SA Rugby) – 75 caps, 15 pts (3t)
7 – Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) 75 caps, 40 points (8t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain – Racing 92) – 82 caps, 50 points (10t)
5 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat, Japan) – 72 caps, 15 points (3t)
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 118 caps, 30 points (6t)
3 – Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers) – 68 caps, 5 points (1t)
2 – Bongi Mbonambi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 67 caps, 65 points (13t)
1 – Steven Kitshoff (Ulster) – 82 caps, 10 points (2t)
Replacements
16 – Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) – 12 caps, 10 pts (2t)
17 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 27 caps, 0 pts
18 – Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92) – 66 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19 – Jean Kleyn (Munster) – 6 caps, 0 pts (Ireland 5 caps)
20 – RG Snyman (Munster) – 33 caps, 10 points (2t)
21 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 39 caps, 35 pts (7t)
22 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 26 caps, 5 pts (1t)
23 – Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls) – 92 caps, 75 pts (15t)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

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In the first half, England was smart and committed. They threw a lot of kicks into South Africa’s backfield, which led to a lot of penalties.

In the first half, Owen Farrell scored four goals to give his team a 12–6 lead.

After halftime, the Springboks changed their lineup a few times, but a Farrell drop goal put England even further ahead and on the verge of a seismic shock.

But a try by RG Snyman in the last 10 minutes cut the underdogs’ lead to 15–13. In the 77th minute, Handre Pollard’s strong scrum gave the Boks the penalty that won the game.

The English team had been ahead from the third minute until three minutes left, but the end was very harsh.

White shirts sagged on the soggy Stade de France pitch, and in other places, the aggression and tension of the game led to groups of players facing off against each other.

That’s how England always played—they never backed down and fought their favourite opponents.

The performance also proved coach Steve Borthwick right. In 18 months, he turned Leicester from relegation candidates to Premiership champions, and now he has done another amazing job to get England so close to a final.

After narrowly beating hosts France last weekend on the same stage, South Africa will play New Zealand in the championship match. Both teams are trying to win a record fourth title.

They will play Argentina on Friday in the third-place play-off.

The Springboks were smarter and stronger than England in the last Rugby World Cup final and at Twickenham in the fall, but England came into the game as the favourite, with confidence and a clear plan.

English split their forward chase to keep the Boks guessing, and Joe Marchant almost caught Farrell’s first drop-out.

Elliot Daly jumped over Kurt-Lee Arendse to touch back an Alex Mitchell corner kick. Courtney Lawes picked up a loose ball on the ground, and Freddie Steward, who was brought back into the starting lineup just for this game, snatched up any ball that was kicked into England’s backfield.

England’s barrage seemed to scare South Africa.

Referee Ben O’Keeffe was under a lot of scrutiny after the Boks’ controversial win over France in the round of 16. He then slapped Pieter-Steph Du Toit and Siya Kolisi very quickly.

In the first 10 minutes, Farrell kicked two penalties that gave his team a 6-0 lead.

One-out runners, driven line-outs, scrum pressure, and low-risk percentages were some of the things South Africa tried to fall back on. But England wouldn’t let them get a foothold.

It turned a Springbok rolling maul around. George Martin, who was known for being rough, hit Franco Mostert so hard that he had to knock him off.

To make things even, Manie Libbok scored three points for South Africa. But Farrell made it six points clear from the tee after full-back Damian Willemse threw a loose ball that put his team under pressure.

At 32 minutes, South Africa was down 9–3 and making a lot of mistakes, so they switched Libbok to Pollard at fly-half.

It took a while for the momentum switch to happen. After another round of penalties, England went into the tunnel 12–6, which was the same lead South Africa had at halftime in Yokohama four years before.

The replacements South Africa used a week ago helped them beat the hosts, and they kept emptying their bench as they looked for a solution.

As soon as the game started again, Faf de Klerk, Willie le Roux, and Snyman were brought on. Eben Etzebeth, who was a symbol, was one of the players who had to leave.

At first, though, England’s own replacements made a bigger difference. Ellis Genge slammed into the ball, making it easy for Farrell to score. This put his team 15-6 ahead and out of reach after 53 minutes, even with a converted score.

Before the game, England’s fans seemed to be outnumbered in the stadium. Suddenly, though, the champions’ fans started singing louder, with Swing Low filling the stands.

But in the end, Springbok fans were the ones who cheered the loudest and last.

South Africa in the second row England’s lead was cut to two points when Snyman scampered over close to the posts. In the end, his team’s depth won them a nail-biting finish.

Getting new props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch used the set piece to get a penalty, and Pollard was just as steady as he was in 2019.

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The match begins at 21h00 on Saturday, while New Zealand faces Argentina in the other semi-final on Friday evening.

“Many players in this squad did not have an easy upbringing, so for us (representing South Africa) in a game like this is a privilege rather than pressure,” said Pollard.

“Most of the players grew up under pressure and they enjoy it, so we perhaps have a model to play World Cups. We are playing for our country, and it’s important that we leave everything out there.”

Pollard was ecstatic to be back in the squad and back on the pitch after a calf injury ruled him out of contention for the initial 33-man RWC squad, but he relished every moment of his return.

“Of course it was disappointing (not to make the original squad), but it was a time sensitive matter,” said Pollard. “We pushed as hard as we could to get me ready in time, but it was a few weeks too late to show the coaches that was fit.”

In his absence, Manie Libbok has done an excellent job of injecting an attacking spark into the Boks’ style of play, and Pollard, who shared the flyhalf duties in the quarterfinal victory over France, was effusive in his praise for his teammate.

“I can’t praise Manie enough for the way he’s playing and handling the pressure,” said Pollard.

“He’s a humble guy and works extremely hard, and he works for the team. He’s got a lovely dynamic way of playing towards us as a team, that’s a lovely thing and something that we’ve all embraced and enjoyed as well. Whatever are roles are for myself or him wherever we play it’s all towards the team and what we can do best for them.”

Pollard concurred with SA Rugby Director of Rugby Rassie Erasmus that England had a bone to pick with them following a 32-12 loss in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final and a 27-13 loss at Twickenham last year, and he stated that they needed to be up to the challenge.

“I could see the disappointment on their faces four years ago, and I’ve lost a semi-final before, and when that happens you look at yourself,” said Pollard.

“I think they’ll be ruthless and take the physicality to the next level. So of course, there’ll be beef, but we have to go out there and do the job.”

Photo by Steve Haag Sports

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After losing to Ireland 13-8, the Boks are now in second place in Pool B. They will try to beat the Tongans and get a bonus point, which would let them finish second in the group.

They will be hoping that it won’t be like the last time they played each other at the World Cup, when Jake White’s South Africa had to bring in the big guns from the bench to win 30–25 in their pool and go on to win the Webb Ellis Cup.

“We’ve got certain things that we have to rectify that we couldn’t get right against Ireland,” said South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber, with goalkickers Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk both misfiring against the Irish.

“In terms of our game plan, there are definitely some things that we will try a little bit differently in this game to see if it works.

“The result is very important but we need to fix that if we do get the opportunity to go into a quarter-final or knockout rugby. If we don’t fix those things we probably won’t last long in this competition.”

Pollard just got back from an injury and was added to the World Cup team last week. Four years ago, when the Springboks beat England 32-12 in the World Cup final, Pollard kicked 22 points.

There were 12 changes to the starting team that went to Ireland, and he was one of them.

Flanker Siya Kolisi, who will be making his 50th appearance as captain, Eben Etzebeth, and Jasper Wiese will all stay on for the must-win match, which will determine which two teams from Pool B advance to the quarter-finals and who they will play in the top-eight playoffs.

“My expectations for myself is just going to be to express myself and enjoy it knowing that it’s not going to be perfect,” said Pollard, with just 30 minutes under his belt in his comeback from a debilitating calf injury.

Tonga coach Toutai Kefu said matches against the likes of South Africa “are the games that get me out of bed”.

“You always want to test yourself against the best in the world. We’ve done that regularly so far and we’ve enjoyed the occasion.”

Kefu, who won the 1999 World Cup with Australia, added: “I suppose from a results point of view, it’s been disappointing so far.

“It’s certainly not the way we looked at it to turn out, 60 points by Ireland (a 59-16 defeat) and then 40-odd points by Scotland (45-17).”

Kefu has made three changes to the starting lineup. Semisi Paea is now No. 8 instead of Vaea Fifita, who is suspended.

In the other two changes, Anzelo Tuitavuki will start on the left wing and Fine Inisi will start on the right.

Charles Piutau, Malakai Fekitoa, and Augustine Pulu, who used to be All Blacks, all start. Former Wallaby forward Adam Coleman, who used to be an All Black, is on the bench.

Tonga’s World Cup is over on October 8 when they play Romania in Lille.

Photo by EPA/KIM LUDBROOK

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The outcome of this match will be crucial in determining which two teams from Pool B advance to the quarter-finals, and who they will play in the top-eight playoff.

Nienaber made 12 changes to the starting team from the one which played Ireland, retaining forwards Siya Kolisi – who will make his 50th appearance as captain – Eben Etzebeth and Jasper Wiese for the must-win clash. Nienaber named a traditional split of five forwards and three backs on the bench.

Pollard makes his first Springbok appearance since playing against Australia in Adelaide before injury forced him out of the subsequent 16 Tests. The clash against Tonga is his second match in 19 weeks since suffering a calf injury for English club Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership in May. He returned to action last week as a replacement in Leicester’s match against Sale Sharks.

The calf injury ruled Pollard out of the initial 33-man RWC squad but he now partners scrumhalf Cobus Reinach at halfback, while Andre Esterhuizen and Canan Moodie are reunited as a hard-running centre combination. Makazole Mapimpi and Grant Williams will patrol the wings as they did against Romania.

Up-front, Deon Fourie will earn his first start in the Springbok jersey at hooker in a front row with props Ox Nche and Vincent Koch, while Etzebeth and Marvin Orie will support them in the second row.

Koch’s inclusion marks his first start in the green and gold jumper since the RWC pool game against Canada on 8 October 2019 after he was withdrawn from the matchday squad against Romania two weeks ago due to a knee injury suffered in the warm-up.

The only change Nienaber made among the loose forwards was at flanker, where regular No 8 Duane Vermeulen will wear the No 7 jersey in a formidable combination with Kolisi and Wiese.

The most notable change on Nienaber’s bench was the inclusion of Van Staden at hooker, next to prop replacements Steven Kitshoff and Trevor Nyakane, while the versatile Franco Mostert and Kwagga Smith will complete the forward complement on the bench.

The three backline players on the bench are scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse, centre Jesse Kriel and flyhalf Manie Libbok.

In total, 13 players in the match-23 were retained from last week’s 13-8 defeat against Ireland.

“This is a strong and physical team, which is exactly what need against a side like Tonga that plays with passion and force,” said Nienaber.

“Each one of us understands the importance of this match with an eye on qualifying for the quarter-final, so accurate execution, physicality and doing our basics right will be vital to get the desired result.”

Nienaber expected a major physical challenge from Tonga: “They will enter with the mindset that they have nothing to lose after going down in their opening two matches of the tournament, so they won’t hold back.

“They had impressive moments in their matches against Scotland and Ireland, so this will require a full 80-minute effort. The emphasis for us will be on doing what we need to do to progress out of the pool stages and to bounce back from last week and build momentum.

“We are still in the World Cup, and we know we have the players and skills to defend our title. We now need to transfer all the hard work at training into producing a top-quality performance,” Nienaber added.

Springbok team vs Tonga in Marseille:
15 – Willie le Roux (Vodacom Bulls) – 89 caps, 70 pts (14t)
14 – Grant Williams (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 7 caps, 10 (2t)
13 – Canan Moodie (Vodacom Bulls) – 9 caps, 20 pts (4t)
12 – Andre Esterhuizen (Harlequins) – 15 caps, 0pts
11 – Makazole Mapimpi (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 40 caps, 130 pts (26t)
10 – Handre Pollard (Leicester Tigers) – 67 caps, 665 pts (7t, 91c, 145p, 5d)
9 – Cobus Reinach (Montpellier) – 29 caps, 60 pts (12t)
8 – Jasper Wiese (Leicester Tigers) – 25 caps, 5 pts (1t)
7 – Duane Vermeulen (SA Rugby) – 72 caps, 15 pts (3t)
6 – Siya Kolisi (captain, Racing 92) – 78 caps, 50 pts (10t)
5 – Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers) – 15 caps, 0 pts
4 – Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 115 caps, 25 pts (5t)
3 – Vincent Koch (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 46 caps, 0pts
2 – Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) – 9 caps, 5 pts (1t)
1 – Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 24 caps, 0 pts
Replacements:
16 – Marco van Staden (Vodacom Bulls) – 17 caps, 0 pts
17 – Steven Kitshoff (Ulster) – 78 caps, 10 pts (2t)
18 – Trevor Nyakane (Racing 92) – 65 caps, 5 pts (1t)
19 – Franco Mostert (Honda Heat) – 69 caps, 15 pts (3t)
20 – Kwagga Smith (Shizuoka Blue Revs) – 36 caps, 30 pts (6t)
21 – Jaden Hendrikse (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 14 caps, 12 pts (2t, 1c)
22 – Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 64 caps, 70 pts (14t)
23 – Manie Libbok (DHL Stormers) – 11 caps, 74 pts (1t, 21c, 9pg)

Issued by SA Rugby Communications

Photo by Steve Haag Sports

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The 29-year-old was a key member of the team that won the World Cup in 2019. At first, he couldn’t play because he had hurt his calf in the summer.

He had just started playing again with his new team, Leicester, a week before he was called up as a replacement for Malcolm Marx, who was hurt and couldn’t hook.

He didn’t play in South Africa’s 13-8 loss to Ireland on Saturday, but their two goal kickers, Manie Libbok and Faf de Klerk, haven’t done well, so more people want Pollard to come back.

“Let’s give Handre a chance to find his rhythm and see how he does with the other stuff,” Erasmus said in a statement.

“Tonga will be a great yardstick to see how he goes.”

Erasmus, on the other hand, said that people shouldn’t expect too much from Pollard as he gets ready to match readiness.

“Everyone must keep it in perspective,” said Erasmus.

“Handre Pollard is not Superman and can’t come back as fully ready after playing only 30 minutes of rugby since his injury.

“He can’t just come onto the field to kick goals. He must also be able to sidestep, hand-off, make tackles, clean out at the ruck and that’s obviously not the case now because he has only had a full week’s training with us.”

Even though Libbok is exciting when he has the ball in his hands, people are worried about how he kicks the ball into the goal.

In the first game, he missed three penalties against Scotland. On Saturday, he missed a conversion and a penalty against Ireland.

“Manie is definitely playing brilliant fly-half rugby at this stage but obviously his goalkicking isn’t matching that,” said Erasmus.

“If you weigh up the different things he does, he makes a great contribution to the team but he is in a bit of a dip with his goalkicking.

“He knows it, we know it and the world knows it.”

Four years ago, Pollard scored 25 points against Japan in the quarter-final and against Wales in the semi-final. He then scored 22 points in the final as South Africa beat England 32-12.

Photo by EPA/KIM LUDBROOK

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