South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has been omitted from the Springboks' matchday squad for Saturday's first Test against New Zealand at Ellis Park due to a hamstring injury sustained against Argentina on August 8. Head coach Rassie Erasmus opted to select Paul de Villiers instead, prioritizing caution with four Tests scheduled against the All Blacks.

Centre Damian de Allende will earn his 100th Test cap, becoming the 10th player in South African history to reach the milestone. Fly-half Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu and lock Eben Etzebeth retain their starting positions from the Buenos Aires victory, while prop Ox Nche returns after missing recent matches.

New Zealand has named Ardie Savea, Cam Roigard and Will Jordan in their starting XV. Captain Savea and Codie Taylor will face the Springboks for the 18th and 17th times respectively, with younger players like Anton Segner and Josh Moorby earning their first caps.

South Africa have won five of their last six Tests against New Zealand, including a record 43-10 victory in Wellington last September. Erasmus emphasized the need for sharpness and discipline, acknowledging the challenge of facing the world's top-ranked team at their spiritual home ground.