In a surprising move, Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has opted to dismantle the famed 'Bomb Squad' for their crucial Castle Lager Rugby Championship match against the All Blacks at Eden Park. This unexpected shift has sent ripples through the rugby world, prompting intense speculation about the coach's strategy.
According to rugby analyst Mark Keohane, Erasmus has selected what he considers his most conservative match 23, especially when compared to previous selections this season and against the All Blacks in the past two years. This contrasts sharply with Erasmus's previous tactical choices, such as the 7-1 bench split employed at Twickenham before the 2023 World Cup (a 35-7 victory) and in the 2023 World Cup final in Paris (a 12-11 win).
This time, Erasmus has chosen a more traditional five forwards and three backs on the substitute's bench, signaling a departure from the power-packed 'Bomb Squad' approach.
Key Changes to the Starting XV
Erasmus has made four significant changes to the starting XV that secured a 30-22 victory against the Wallabies in Cape Town. Veteran Willie le Roux returns at fullback, while Siya Kolisi and Pieter-Steph du Toit are back from injury and concussion, respectively. Eben Etzebeth has been promoted from the bench to start, replacing RG Snyman, who is absent from the match 23.
Kolisi will start at No 8, but Jesse Kriel will captain the side, as Kolisi was initially doubtful earlier in the week, according to Erasmus.
Snyman's Omission and Other Surprises
Snyman's exclusion is arguably the biggest surprise, especially considering his stellar season with Leinster, where he was named both the Player's Player of the Year and the Fans' Player of the Year for 2024/25. However, he hasn't quite replicated that form for the Boks in 2025.
Kwagga Smith, who stepped in as a late injury replacement for Jean-Luc du Preez at No 8 in Cape Town, returns to the bench. Du Preez remains sidelined due to ongoing injury struggles. Grant Williams, who started both Tests against Australia at No 9, will start in Auckland. Double World Cup winner Faf de Klerk is also not included in the match 23. Cobus Reinach will serve as the reserve scrum-half. Sharks utility back Ethan Hooker is a surprising inclusion among the substitutes; despite being with the Boks all season, the Sharks Player of the 2024/25 season hasn't seen much game time.