Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to his starting lineup for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry decider in Baltimore.
The Springboks will face the All Blacks at M&T Bank Stadium in the final match of the four-Test series.
Damian Willemse returns at fullback after replacing the injured Cheslin Kolbe. Meanwhile, Morne van den Berg earns a starting opportunity at scrumhalf.
Cobus Reinach moves to the replacements bench for the crucial encounter.
Rassie Erasmus sticks with winning combination
After two impressive performances helped South Africa take a 2-1 series lead, Erasmus has opted for continuity.
The Springboks have shown resilience during the past two matches. As a result, the coach believes the current combination deserves another opportunity.
Willemse provides the only change enforced by injury. Van den Berg, meanwhile, gets his chance after making a strong impact from the bench last weekend.
South Africa now needs one more victory to secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry title.
A win at M&T Bank Stadium would seal the series for the Springboks. However, an All Blacks victory would level the series after New Zealand won the opening Test.
Willemse returns after Kolbe injury
Kolbe suffered an injury during the Springboks’ victory at FNB Stadium last weekend.
The experienced wing was one of six players who stayed behind in South Africa. The rest of the squad travelled to the United States for the series decider.
After Saturday’s match, the Springboks will travel directly from the USA to Australia.
They will face the Wallabies in a one-off Test at Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, 27 September.
“We feel that the team is well settled, and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches,” said Erasmus.
“We believe selecting the same matchday squad and naming Damian back in his regular position makes sense for the closing match of the series.”
The coach also expects New Zealand to respond strongly.
“These players also know exactly what to expect from a very determined All Blacks team,” Erasmus added.
“They will give everything to draw the series this weekend.”
Rassie Erasmus backs Van den Berg to start
Erasmus also explained his decision to promote Van den Berg into the starting lineup.
“Damian started the first two Tests and, had it not been for a niggle last week, he would have also started that match,” said Erasmus.
“It’s good to have him back. He is a quality player, and he knows the guys around him very well.”
The coach expects Willemse to settle quickly into the side.
“For him, it will simply be a matter of picking up where he left off before last week,” Erasmus said.
Van den Berg impressed after entering the match last weekend. Now, he has the opportunity to influence the game from the opening whistle.
“Morne made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start,” said Erasmus.
“Cobus switches to the bench, where he will add experience and skill in this vital match.”
Springboks expect another All Blacks battle
Erasmus knows New Zealand will fight until the final whistle.
The teams have now faced each other three weeks in a row. Therefore, both sides understand what awaits them in Baltimore.
“We have faced the All Blacks three weeks in a row,” said Erasmus.
“Just like us, they are a proud team who showed last week that they will never stop fighting until the final whistle.”
The Springbok coach therefore expects another demanding contest.
“We are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend,” he said.
However, South Africa remains determined to finish the series on top.
“We are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy,” Erasmus added.
“The players are excited about the match.”
Rassie Erasmus demands an 80-minute performance
The Springboks will need another complete performance to secure the series.
Erasmus believes the match will demand intensity in every area of the game.
“We have no doubt that it’s going to be another epic encounter,” he said.
“It will require a full-blown 80-minute effort on attack and defence.”
The coaching staff will also carefully manage the squad during the week.
“We will manage the players well this week to ensure that they are ready physically and mentally for Saturday,” Erasmus said.
Springbok team to face the All Blacks
15 Damian Willemse
14 Kurt-Lee Arendse
13 Jesse Kriel
12 Damian de Allende
11 Ethan Hooker
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
9 Morne van den Berg
8 Jasper Wiese
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
6 Siya Kolisi
5 Ruan Nortje
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Wilco Louw
2 Malcolm Marx
1 Ox Nche
Replacements
16 Deon Fourie
17 Gerhard Steenekamp
18 Thomas du Toit
19 Lood de Jager
20 Andre Esterhuizen
21 Cameron Hanekom
22 Cobus Reinach
23 Manie Libbok
