Springboks rocked by late injury blow ahead of All Blacks Test
- Australia v New Zealand: Where to watch, kick-off time, TV channel and team news - October 16, 2026
- Rugby on TV this weekend: Every match, kick-off time & where to watch - October 16, 2026
- Munster issue statement on why Anthony Foley anniversary match isn’t at Thomond Park - October 16, 2026
Injury blow.
The Springboks have reportedly suffered a major late injury blow ahead of Saturday’s second Test against the All Blacks, with Handre Pollard set to miss the Cape Town showdown.
Pollard was named to start at fly-half as South Africa look to bounce back from their 33-16 defeat at Ellis Park, but reports in South Africa now indicate the double World Cup winner has picked up a calf injury.
According to Netwerk24, the 32-year-old will not take his place in the No.10 jersey at DHL Stadium, although the Springboks have yet to officially confirm a change to their team.
It would represent a significant setback for Rassie Erasmus just over 24 hours out from a crucial second encounter with New Zealand.
Pollard had been recalled to the starting side specifically for his experience and game management, replacing Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu after the youngster started the opening Test in Johannesburg.
Explaining that decision earlier in the week, Erasmus highlighted Pollard’s ability to perform in the biggest moments.
“Handre has delivered for us under extreme pressure,” Erasmus said.
The Springbok coach had planned to pair Pollard with Cobus Reinach before introducing Morne van den Berg and Feinberg-Mngomezulu later in the contest to offer a different style of play.
Those plans may now require a late rethink.
Feinberg-Mngomezulu is already named among the replacements and could be promoted back into the starting XV, while Manie Libbok is another option after dropping out of the matchday squad this week.
RugbyPass reports Libbok is expected to come into the 23 if Pollard is ruled out, although it remains unclear who would ultimately start at fly-half.
It would be another frustrating injury setback for Pollard, whose 2026 Test campaign has already been interrupted.
The Springboks trail 1-0 in the four-Test Greatest Rivalry series and know another defeat would leave them unable to win the series, with a 2-2 draw the best result still available.
Erasmus had turned to one of his most experienced players to help deliver the response required in Cape Town.
He may now have to do it without him.
