@Springboks
Springbok head coach, Jacque Nienaber, has brought in Handre Pollard for his first Test since August 2022 for the weekend Pool clash against Tonga.
Naming the team on Wednesday, Nienaber said Marco van Staden will wear the No 16 jersey as replacement hooker for the first time in Marseille on Sunday.
SA Rugby says 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.
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.
He also 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.
