Erasmus unveils new-look backline as Boks make seven changes for Freedom Cup decider

Erasmus has made some significant changes at the back after Saturday's disappointing showing at Eden Park, rewarding several of the substitutes who made a positive impact in the second half.

Saturday's clash at Sky Stadium will decide which team claims the Freedom Cup, while a victory is also crucial if the Boks hope to defend the Rugby Championship title they won last year.

Cobus Reinach and Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu pair up in a new halfback pairing, while Canan Moodie gets a chance in the midfield alongside Damian Willemse in a brand-new and unexpected midfield combination, and newcomer Ethan Hooker joins Cheslin Kolbe on the wings. Aphelele Fassi takes over at fullback.

Up front, Siya Kolisi is back as captain and returns to the flanks along with Pieter-Steph du Toit, while No 8 Jasper Wiese will return to the field for the first time since serving his four-match suspension.

The only change in the pack was at lock, where Lood de Jager will pack down next to Ruan Nortje, while Erasmus stuck with the same front row of props Ox Nche and Thomas du Toit, and hooker Malcolm Marx.

Erasmus again opted for a split of five forwards and three backs on the replacements' bench, where hooker Marnus van der Merwe, props Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw, lock RG Snyman and impact forward Kwagga Smith will provide further cover up front. The backs on the bench are halfbacks Grant Williams, Manie Libbok, and centre Andre Esterhuizen.

"This is an exciting team, which we believe will provide us with the forward power we require, and spark in the backline against a quality All Blacks side," said Erasmus.

"We've maintained consistency in selection to a large degree in the last few matches, but apart from what we feel some of the players selected can add to our attack, we'd like to see what some of the players can do against the top-ranked team in the world.

"This is a vital match for our Rugby Championship campaign, and we feel some fresh legs and energy are what we need to come away with the desired result."

Erasmus added: "Every player in this squad knows we believe in them and back them, and this will serve as a great occasion for them to show us what they are capable of against a team such as the All Blacks.

"They have all done the job for us against some of the top teams in the world earlier this year, and others over the last few years, and we know they'll relish this opportunity to face New Zealand in their backyard."

The Bok coach said they are expecting another epic encounter against their arch rivals: "Both teams will be up for the challenge this week after having to cope with heavy rain at times in Auckland, and after the disappointing performance we delivered in the opening stages of that match, we know we need to be much more effective in all departments this week and produce a performance both us and our supporters can be proud of.

"We need a top-class performance to ensure that we are in contention to win the Castle Lager Rugby Championship.

"We know where we went wrong last week and what we must fix, and we'll leave no stone unturned to fix those errors. There's no doubt that we have to deliver a proper 80-minute performance to do well, and we will give everything to achieve that."

The match kicks off at 09h05 (SA time).

Springboks -  15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Damian Willemse, 11 Ethan Hooker, 10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 9 Cobus Reinach, 8 Jasper Wiese, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Lood de Jager, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.

Replacements: 16 Marnus van der Merwe, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 RG Snyman, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Andre Esterhuizen.

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