Springboks Announce Formidable Starting Lineup for Rugby World Cup Final Against All Blacks

South Africa Reveals Strong Starting Lineup for Rugby World Cup Final Against New Zealand

South Africa has introduced its formidable starting XV for the highly anticipated Rugby World Cup final clash against New Zealand.

In this lineup, South Africa has chosen Handre Pollard and Faf de Klerk as their half-backs, along with hooker Bongi Mbonambi, who has been cleared by World Rugby of using a racial slur in the previous semi-final against England.

Coach Jacques Nienaber made significant changes as South Africa aims for a record fourth World Cup title. Cobus Reinach and Manie Libbok have been replaced by De Klerk and Pollard. Notably, De Klerk and Pollard will be starting together for the 25th time, surpassing the record held by Joost van der Westhuizen and Henry Honiball for the most experienced halfback pair in Springbok history.

This experienced starting team boasts 10 players who were part of the World Cup final four years ago and has a combined total of 987 caps, setting a new record for Springbok history, surpassing the previous record of 895 Test caps set the previous week against England.

Nienaber commented, “This is an experienced team with several players who played in the last Rugby World Cup final and who know exactly what to expect at Stade de France on Saturday and what it will take to retain the title. The players who will be playing in their first World Cup final have also proven their worth as warriors throughout this campaign and they are all ready for this massive occasion.”

The replacements’ bench includes seven forwards and one back, with veteran Willie Le Roux as the lone back.

The midfield features Damian de Allende and Jesse Kriel, while the back three consists of Cheslin Kolbe, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Damian Willemse.

In the forward pack, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, and Bongi Mbonambi will form the front row. Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert will be the locks, and the back row comprises Bok skipper Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Duane Vermeulen.

Nienaber also confirmed that winger Cheslin Kolbe would be prepared to step into a halfback role if needed.

Here’s the South Africa starting lineup (15-1):