HANDRE Pollard has regained the Springboks No 10 jersey from Elton Jantjies in one of three changes to the starting lineup to play the All Blacks in Wellington on Saturday.

Star hooker Malcolm Marx is predictably promoted to the run on XV ahead of Bongi Mbonambi after coming off the bench in the loss to the Wallabies.

Lukhanyo Am replaces the injured Makazole Mapimpi in the other change, with Am starting at outside centre and Jesse Kriel shifted out to the right wing.

Halfback Ross Cronje also comes onto the bench ahead of Embrose Papier for the fourth round Rugby Championship clash at Westpac Stadium.

South Africa (15-1): Willie le Roux, Jesse Kriel, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Aphiwe Dyantyi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley, Pieter-Steph du Toit, Siya Kolisi (c), Franco Mostert, Eben Etzebeth, Frans Malherbe, Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff

Reserves: Bongi Mbonambi, Tendai Mtawarira, Wilco Louw, RG Snyman, Francois Louw, Ross Cronje, Elton Jantjies, Cheslin Kolbe

“We have to deliver a much improved performance against the All Blacks,” Springboks coach Rassie Erasmus said.

“Keeping our discipline and retaining possession will be key, because New Zealand’s ability to counter from turnover ball is well known.

“That means we have to be patient, our decision making must be good and we have to capitalise on the opportunities that we create.

The traditional rivalry between the two countries mean we can expect a huge physical battle.”

The All Blacks have made 10 changes to their starting team after beating Argentina.