Handré Pollard just one of a string of changes Rassie Erasmus has made for All Blacks encounter
Elton Jantjies is back on the bench as the Springbok coach opts for the physicality Pollard brings
Wellington — Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has made several changes to the starting line-up to face New Zealand in an eagerly anticipated Rugby Championship showdown at Westpac Stadium on Saturday. Erasmus named Handré Pollard at flyhalf‚ switched Jesse Kriel to right wing and Lukhanyo Am to outside centre. In other changes to the starting line-up announced on Thursday‚ Malcolm Marx has replaced Bongi Mbonambi while Ross Cronje has taken the place of Embrose Papier among the substitutes. Pollard’s elevation puts Elton Jantjies‚ who started against Australia‚ back on the bench. Kriel’s move to the wing was forced by the injury to Makazole Mapimpi, who has returned home for treatment on his knee. With Kriel moving to the wing‚ Am replaces him at outside centre in what is the only positional change in the squad. Asked to explain his decisions‚ Erasmus said he leaned towards Pollard at No10 because he wants him to bring physicality to the game after All Blacks coach Steve Hansen inclu...
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