Kolisi and Pollard return as Springboks aim to level All Blacks Test series in Cape Town
Quick summary
Siya Kolisi and Handre Pollard return to the South Africa lineup for the second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town, with the Springboks looking to level the series.
Full article
Attributed to original sourceSiya Kolisi is in line to return as captain with Handre Pollard in at fly-half for South Africa's must-win second Test against New Zealand on Saturday.
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What happened
South Africa have recalled captain Siya Kolisi and fly-half Handre Pollard for the second Test against New Zealand in Cape Town after losing the opening match of the series. Their returns are significant boosts for the Springboks, who need a win to keep the series alive. The All Blacks arrive in Cape Town having taken a 1-0 lead, setting up a decisive second Test in the tightly contested series.
Chance analysis
The return of Kolisi and Pollard addresses two of South Africa's most glaring gaps from the first Test loss. Kolisi's presence at the back of the scrum restores leadership, breakdown work and lineout balance, while Pollard's experience at fly-half offers a steadier tactical kicking game and game management. For the All Blacks, who took the series lead, the challenge now shifts to disrupting a near full-strength Springbok side at altitude in Cape Town, a venue where South Africa historically dominate.
South Africa's lineup is significantly strengthened for the second Test, improving their chances of leveling the series against New Zealand.