{
  "id": 2994110,
  "title": "Handre Pollard returns at No 10 as Springboks continue to sweat over captain Siya Kolisi",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/handre-pollard-returns-at-no-10-as-springboks-continue-to-sweat-over",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-24T10:07:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/springboks/2026-08-24-handre-pollard-returns-at-no-10-as-springboks-continue-to-sweat-over-captain-siya-kolisi/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus has named a strong team to face the All Blacks in Cape Town, while still keeping a close eye on the fitness of regular skipper Siya Kolisi. Pieter-Steph du Toit will lead the Boks in his 100th Test, maintaining the captaincy armband alongside Kolisi. Handre Pollard has returned to his usual No 10 position, while Cobus Reinach will partner him at halfback. Veteran flyhalf Pollard, who led the Boks to a 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks last Saturday, is expected to bring crucial stability under pressure. The drop-off sees the bench featuring Manie Libbok and the loss of Cobus Reinach. Ethan Hooker will replace Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg will cover for Grant Williams due to injury. The changes in the squad aim to provide the Boks with a mix of experienced players and fresh blood for the upcoming match against the All Blacks.",
  "summary": "Pieter-Steph du Toit will captain the Springboks in his 100th Test, as the team is still waiting for regular skipper Siya Kolisi to pass a fitness test ahead of the second match of Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry against the All Blacks at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [
    "Handre Pollard returns to No 10 position",
    "Siya Kolisi's captaincy status remains uncertain",
    "Pieter-Steph du Toit leads the team"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Kolisi to return for Springboks if he proves his fitness",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/24/kolisi-to-return-for-springboks-if-he-proves-his-fitness",
        "published": "2026-08-24T10:09:39.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}