CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) — South Africa withdrew backs Handré Pollard and Kurt-Lee Arendse on Friday from the second test against New Zealand this weekend.
South Africa Rugby said Pollard suffered “a niggle” in training on Wednesday, reportedly a calf injury, and the flyhalf didn't pass a fitness test on Friday.
Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu was restored to the No. 10 jersey and Manie Libbok brought into the reserves for the match on Saturday at Cape Town Stadium.
Arendse was replaced because South Africa Rugby said winger Cheslin Kolbe has recovered from the hamstring and ankle issues which forced his exit during the first test last Saturday. New Zealand won 33-16 at Ellis Park to go 1-0 up in the four-test series.
The late changes mean South Africa has made only two to the starting XV, bringing in captain and flanker Siya Kolisi and left winger Ethan Hooker.
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