Siya Kolisi Returns at No 8 as Kriel Retains Captaincy in Eden Park Blockbuster
Viable News Team 
Image Credit: siyakolisi/instagram
Auckland – Siya Kolisi has been named to start at No 8 for the Springboks in this weekend’s Rugby Championship Test against the All Blacks at Eden Park. Despite his return from injury, head coach Rassie Erasmus has made the strategic decision to keep Jesse Kriel in the captain’s role.
Kolisi, who was a fitness doubt earlier in the week, replaces the injured Jean-Luc du Preez in the back row. Kriel, a seasoned centre, retains leadership duties, having already been informed of the role prior to Kolisi’s inclusion. Erasmus commended Kriel’s leadership, citing his communication and example-setting on the field.
Eben Etzebeth returns to the starting XV in the second row, flanked by Ruan Nortje. In the loose trio, Pieter-Steph du Toit joins Kolisi and Marco van Staden. Willie le Roux makes his return to fullback, forming a back three with Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie.
This Test carries historical weight as the Boks aim to secure their first win at Eden Park since 1937, with the All Blacks having remained unbeaten there since 1994. Springbok stalwarts Handré Pollard and Grant Williams continue at flyhalf and scrumhalf respectively, while Damian de Allende partners Kriel in midfield.
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