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Pollard reportedly ruled out of second Test against All Blacks

By Own Correspondent · 28 August 2026
Although Siya Kolisi was still in contention for tomorrow’s test at the time of posting, Handré Pollard’s inclusion in the squad seemed very doubtful.
Although Siya Kolisi was still in contention for tomorrow’s test at the time of posting, Handré Pollard’s inclusion in the squad seemed very doubtful. Photo: Planet Rugby

Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard has reportedly been withdrawn from Saturday's second Test against the All Blacks at Cape Town Stadium, with a calf injury forcing a late change to Rassie Erasmus's starting side.

According to a report by RugbyPass, which cites Netwerk24, the 32-year-old will not take up the number 10 jersey he was handed at the start of the week.

Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, who started the first Test, had been named among the reserves after Pollard was drafted into the run-on side. Manie Libbok is understood to be the frontrunner to come into the team in Pollard's place, though it remains unclear whether he would start or provide cover from the bench.

The Springboks go into the match needing a win to keep alive their hopes of taking the series, having lost the opener 33-16 at Ellis Park.

Pollard was originally recalled to the starting line-up for his composure under pressure, having missed the third and final Nations Championship fixture against Wales in July with a hamstring injury.

Feinberg-Mngomezulu, for his part, has only recently returned from an ankle injury sustained in a United Rugby Championship quarter-final.

Erasmus had defended his decision to restore Pollard at flyhalf ahead of the reported setback, saying: “Handre has delivered for us under extreme pressure, and we feel that what he and Cobus have the potential to bring at the beginning of the game, and then have Morne and Sacha come on later with their different styles of play, will be good for us this weekend.”

Also unresolved ahead of kick-off is the fitness of captain Siya Kolisi, who had been named alongside Paul de Villiers on the team sheet pending the outcome of training this week.