For the first time in four years, South Africa will take an unchanged squad into back-to-back tests when Siya Kolisi leads the Springboks out for their Rugby World Cup opener against the defending champion New Zealand.
Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus today announced an unchanged starting lineup and reserves from their 41-7 win over Japan to take on New Zealand.
The South Africa officials said the last time the Springboks named an unchanged 23, was 51 matches ago — against New Zealand in the 2015 Rugby World Cup semifinals.
The same combination had beaten Wales 23-19 in the quarterfinals.
Springboks number 8, Duane Vermeulen will be appearing for his 50th test.
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