With Kolisi carrying a "niggle", it looked all set for Jean-Luc du Preez to slot in at the back of the scrum in Auckland, but Du Preez himself picked up an injury in training during the week, which necessitated a start for Kolisi.
Despite the presence of the two-time World Cup-winning captain, Kriel will still lead the team out against their biggest rivals.
“Siya was touch and go for the match earlier in the week after picking up a niggle a few weeks ago, and we didn’t want to risk him unnecessarily, but with Jean-Luc du Preez having picked up a niggle at training this week, Siya was the obvious choice to slot in at No 8,” coach Rassie Erasmus said.
“At that stage, Jesse had already been told he would be the captain, and it was only fair for us to keep things that way. He’s a great leader and one of the core players in our team. His communication with the referee and his teammates is good, and he leads by example in the way he plays, so he deserves this opportunity.
“It will also be a big occasion for him to captain the team against the All Blacks for the first time, so we are proud of Jesse, and we know he’ll carry this responsibility with great pride.”
Kriel once again lines up with his longtime centre partner Damian de Allende, outside of a half-back pairing of Handre Pollard and Grant Williams. Willie le Roux will marshall things from the back, either side of wingers Cheslin Kolbe and Canan Moodie.
Kolisi, meanwhile, is joined in the back row by flankers Pieter-Steph du Toit and Marco van Staden, while the second row sees Eben Etzebeth pack down alongside Ruan Nortje.
Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Thomas du Toit form a formidable and experienced front row for the challenge of taking on an All Blacks side that has not lost at Eden Park since 1994.
South Africa themselves are seeking a first Test victory in Auckland since 1937, a win that see their Rugby Championship title defence back on track after a shock loss to Australia on the opening weekend.
South Africa: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheslin Kolbe, 13 Jesse Kriel (captain), 12 Damian de Allende, 11 Canan Moodie, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Grant Williams, 8 Siya Kolisi, 7 Pieter-Steph du Toit, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Eben Etzebeth, 3 Thomas du Toit, Malcolm Marx, 1 Ox Nche.
Replacements: 16 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Lood de Jager, 20 Kwagga Smith, 21 Cobus Reinach, 22 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 23 Ethan Hooker.