Morné van den Berg has earned his chance to start for the Springboks, according to head coach Rassie Erasmus, as South Africa prepares for a high-stakes fourth Test against the All Blacks in Baltimore.
Erasmus has largely kept faith with the side that battled to a dramatic 29-24 victory over New Zealand in the third Test, with Van den Berg the notable change in the starting XV.
The scrumhalf impressed after coming off the bench in the previous encounter, and Erasmus believes his performance was enough to justify a starting opportunity.
Van den Berg gets his chance
Cobus Reinach drops to the replacements bench, where his experience could prove valuable later in the match.
Erasmus explained that Van den Berg’s impact in the previous Test convinced him that the scrumhalf deserved a bigger role.
The selection also gives the Springboks a fresh option at No. 9 while retaining Reinach’s experience as an important weapon off the bench.
With the series on the line, Erasmus has opted for continuity rather than making wholesale changes.
Springboks expect All Blacks response
South Africa knows New Zealand will arrive in Baltimore desperate to respond.
The All Blacks showed in the previous Test that they were capable of fighting until the final whistle, despite ultimately falling short.
Erasmus expects that competitive spirit to return in the fourth Test and has warned his players that another intense battle awaits.
For the Springboks, the objective is straightforward: finish the series strongly and secure the trophy.
The coach has also stressed the importance of managing his squad during the week so that his players are physically and mentally ready for another demanding 80 minutes.
A historic Test in Baltimore
Saturday’s clash will be significant for more than just the series result.
It will be the first Springbok Test ever played in Baltimore, adding another chapter to South Africa’s growing presence in the United States.
The match also comes with an eye on the country’s role as host of the 2031 Rugby World Cup.
Kick-off is scheduled for 23:00 South African time.
Experienced Springbok side named
The Springboks will field a highly experienced starting XV, with Eben Etzebeth set to win his 146th cap, extending his record as South Africa’s most capped player.
The loose trio of Siya Kolisi, Pieter-Steph du Toit and Jasper Wiese will also extend their record for the most Test starts by a Springbok loose trio.
Wiese is closing in on another personal milestone and will need just one more appearance after Saturday’s match to reach 50 Test caps.
Springboks starting XV
15 Damian Willemse
14 Kurt-Lee Arendse
13 Jesse Kriel
12 Damian de Allende
11 Ethan Hooker
10 Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu
9 Morné van den Berg
8 Jasper Wiese
7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
6 Siya Kolisi (captain)
5 Ruan Nortjé
4 Eben Etzebeth
3 Wilco Louw
2 Malcolm Marx
1 Ox Nché
Replacements: Deon Fourie, Gerhard Steenekamp, Thomas du Toit, Lood de Jager, André Esterhuizen, Cameron Hanekom, Cobus Reinach, Manie Libbok.
Springboks hold recent edge over All Blacks
South Africa has enjoyed a strong recent record against its biggest rivals, winning seven of the last nine meetings dating back to August 2023.
Overall, however, New Zealand still holds the historical advantage, with the Springboks having won 45 of their 113 Tests against the All Blacks.
That history will matter little in Baltimore.
With the series reaching its decisive stage, both teams know that Saturday’s contest could be another classic.
For Van den Berg, it is an opportunity to prove that his impact from the bench can translate into a starring role from the opening whistle.
For Erasmus and the Springboks, it is about finishing the job.
