The Springboks will be without veteran flyhalf Handrè Pollard for Saturday’s crucial test against the All Blacks in Cape Town after he was ruled out with a training injury on Friday morning.

Pollard, who was named in the starting XV on Monday, picked up a niggle at training on Wednesday and failed to recover in time for the second test of the Greatest Rivalry Tour at DHL Stadium, with kick-off scheduled for 17:10.

The Springboks confirmed on Friday that Pollard had been assessed in the morning before the decision was made to withdraw him from the matchday squad, forcing a late reshuffle to the backline.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu gets the nod

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who started the tests against the All Blacks last week before being dropped to the bench for Saturday’s match, has been recalled to the starting lineup to wear the number 10 jersey.

Manie Libbok, who was controversially left out of the matchday 23 altogether when the team was announced earlier this week, will now provide cover on the bench alongside scrumhalf Morne van den Berg.

The injury blow comes just days after Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus explained his decision to recall Pollard, citing the player’s experience and goal-kicking ability ahead of predicted wet weather conditions in the Mother City.

Kolbe returns as Arendse makes way

In a boost for the world champions, wing Cheslin Kolbe has recovered fully from the knock that forced him off the field during last week’s opening test in Johannesburg and will return to the starting lineup.

Kolbe’s return means Kurt-Lee Arendse has been withdrawn from the matchday squad entirely.

The development marks the latest in a series of injury concerns for Pollard during the 2026 season. He was previously sidelined with a hamstring injury in July while playing against Scotland in the Nations Championship.

Timing could not be worse

With rain forecast for Cape Town on Saturday, Pollard’s renowned tactical kicking game and proven ability to slot penalties under pressure would have been invaluable assets for the world champions.

The two-time World Cup winner has been a cornerstone of the Springbok backline since making his test debut against Scotland in 2014, accumulating 825 points in 85 test appearances.

South Africa will be desperate to level the series after the All Blacks claimed victory in the opening encounter at Ellis Park.

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