By Springbok head coach Rassie Erasmus has opted for maximum consistency, making just two targeted changes to his starting line-up for Saturday’s Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider against the All Blacks at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Following back-to-back brave performances that secured a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series—capped off by a thrilling victory over New Zealand in Johannesburg—Erasmus has rewarded core continuity with a clear mandate: wrap up the inaugural series on American soil.
The only forced change comes at fullback, where Damian Willemse returns to the No. 15 jersey in place of the injured Cheslin Kolbe. Kolbe, who left the field during last week’s battle at FNB Stadium, is one of six players who remained in South Africa. He will miss the trip to the United States before the squad journeys directly to Perth for a one-off Test against Wallabies at Optus Stadium on September 27.
The second adjustment sees a rotational shift at scrumhalf, with the energetic Morne van den Berg earning a deserved start following an explosive cameo off the bench last weekend. Experienced halfback Cobus Reinach moves to the replacements, providing dynamic cover in the second half.
“We feel that the team is well settled and all the players delivered in their respective roles in the last two matches, so we believe selecting the same match-day squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series,” explained Erasmus.
Commenting on Willemse’s seamless return, Erasmus added: “Damian started the first two Tests and had it not been for a niggle last week, he would have also started that match, so it’s good to have him back. He is a quality player, and he knows the guys around him very well, so it will simply be a matter of him picking up where he left off.”
Erasmus was equally complimentary of Van den Berg’s promotion: “Morne made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start, so Cobus switches to the bench where he will add experience and skill in this vital match.”
A victory in Maryland will seal the series silverware for South Africa, whereas an All Blacks win will see the four-part rivalry end in a dramatic draw. Knowing the stakes, the Springbok mentor expects an uncompromising effort from a desperate New Zealand team looking to bounce back.
“They are a proud team who showed last week that they will never stop fighting until the final whistle, so we are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend,” said Erasmus. “That said, we are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy. It’s going to be another epic encounter that will require a full-blown 80-minute effort.”
Key Milestone & Historic Facts
- Etzebeth’s Record-Extending Cap: Eben Etzebeth will extend his record as the most-capped Springbok player in history, earning his 146th Test cap when he takes the field.
- Loose Trio Record: The back-row combination of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit, and Jasper Wiese will extend their national record to 19 Test starts together.
- Historic USA Outing: Saturday’s clash marks the first-ever Springbok Test match played in Baltimore. South Africa holds a 2-1 record on US soil, previously playing in 1981, 2001, and 2018.
- Wiese Approaching 50: No. 8 Jasper Wiese will earn his 49th cap, leaving him just one appearance shy of joining the 50-Test club.
- Form Guide: The Springboks enter the fixture having won seven of their last nine matches against New Zealand dating back to August 2023.
Teams
Springboks: 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 (c), 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.
Match Details
- Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore, USA
- Kick-off: Saturday, 23h00 SA time (17h00 EDT)
- Broadcast: Live on SuperSport
