Rassie Erasmus has made just two changes to his Springbok starting XV for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider against New Zealand in Baltimore.
Damian Willemse returns at fullback in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg has been promoted to the starting lineup at scrumhalf. Cobus Reinach moves to the replacements bench.
The Springboks head into the final Test with a 2-1 lead after a dramatic victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg last weekend.
A win at M&T Bank Stadium will secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series for South Africa, while New Zealand must win to force a drawn series.
Erasmus has opted for continuity after being impressed with his team’s performances over the past two matches.
“We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches,” Erasmus said.
“We believe selecting the same matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series.”
Willemse started the first two Tests before missing the Johannesburg clash because of a minor injury. Erasmus said the Stormers star should slot straight back into the team.
“Morne, meanwhile, made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start,” Erasmus added.
The Bok coach expects the All Blacks to respond strongly as they attempt to level the series.
“We have faced the All Blacks three weeks in a row, and just like us, they are a proud team who showed last week that they will never stop fighting until the final whistle,” he said.
“We are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend.”
Erasmus said the Springboks will need another complete performance to secure the trophy.
“We are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy,” he said.
The match kicks off at 23:00 South African time on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok team:
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 (captain)
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
Fast Facts:
*Etzebeth will become the first Springbok to reach 146 Test caps when he takes the field, extending his record as South Africa’s most-capped player.
*The Springboks have won seven of their last nine Tests against New Zealand, dating back to August 2023.
*Saturday’s match will also be the first Springbok Test played in Baltimore.
*Wiese needs just one more appearance after Saturday to reach 50 Test caps, while the starting XV boasts a combined 927 caps.
Damian Willemse returns at fullback in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe, while Morne van den Berg has been promoted to the starting lineup at scrumhalf. Cobus Reinach moves to the replacements bench.
The Springboks head into the final Test with a 2-1 lead after a dramatic victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg last weekend.
A win at M&T Bank Stadium will secure the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series for South Africa, while New Zealand must win to force a drawn series.
Erasmus has opted for continuity after being impressed with his team’s performances over the past two matches.
“We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches,” Erasmus said.
“We believe selecting the same matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series.”
Willemse started the first two Tests before missing the Johannesburg clash because of a minor injury. Erasmus said the Stormers star should slot straight back into the team.
“Morne, meanwhile, made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start,” Erasmus added.
The Bok coach expects the All Blacks to respond strongly as they attempt to level the series.
“We have faced the All Blacks three weeks in a row, and just like us, they are a proud team who showed last week that they will never stop fighting until the final whistle,” he said.
“We are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend.”
Erasmus said the Springboks will need another complete performance to secure the trophy.
“We are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy,” he said.
The match kicks off at 23:00 South African time on Saturday and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Springbok team:
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 (captain)
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
Fast Facts:
*Etzebeth will become the first Springbok to reach 146 Test caps when he takes the field, extending his record as South Africa’s most-capped player.
*The Springboks have won seven of their last nine Tests against New Zealand, dating back to August 2023.
*Saturday’s match will also be the first Springbok Test played in Baltimore.
*Wiese needs just one more appearance after Saturday to reach 50 Test caps, while the starting XV boasts a combined 927 caps.
