The Springboks have arrived in Baltimore ahead of the final Test against the All Blacks, and coach Rassie Erasmus is set to reveal his matchday squad on Monday evening.
South Africa head into the decisive encounter with a 2-1 series lead after their thrilling 29-24 victory over New Zealand at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
With the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy now within touching distance, all eyes will be on Erasmus when he announces his team.
When will Rassie Erasmus name the Springboks team?
Springboks supporters will not have to wait long for confirmation.
Rassie Erasmus will announce his team for the Baltimore Test on Monday at 20:00 South African time.
The announcement is expected to provide an early indication of how the coaching staff plan to approach the final match of this unique four-Test rivalry.
The fourth Test will take place at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore on Saturday, 12 September, with kick-off scheduled for 23:00 SA time.
Springboks arrive in Baltimore with series advantage
South Africa secured a crucial 29-24 victory over the All Blacks in Johannesburg to move one win away from claiming the series.
The Springboks know exactly what is required: another victory will secure the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy.
New Zealand, meanwhile, must win in Baltimore to level the series at 2-2.
That means Erasmus has little room for complacency despite the advantage his team currently holds.
Cheslin Kolbe ruled out
One of the major selection developments ahead of the announcement is the absence of Cheslin Kolbe.
The experienced Springbok wing suffered a fractured jaw and was unable to travel with the squad to the United States.
Kolbe is joined on the sidelines by Carlu Sadie, Boan Venter, Ntuthuko Mchunu, Cobus Wiese and Ben-Jason Dixon, who also did not make the trip.
However, there was some positive news for the Springboks’ backline.
Damian Willemse, Grant Williams and Canan Moodie have all battled injuries recently but were fit enough to travel to Baltimore.
Their availability could give Erasmus more options as he finalises his selection.
Ethan Hooker: ‘It’s not done’
Young wing Ethan Hooker knows the Springboks cannot afford to take their foot off the accelerator.
Hooker acknowledged the intensity of playing the All Blacks four times in succession but insisted that the squad remains focused on completing the job.
The young back believes the team must raise its standards again rather than simply relying on the momentum from the Johannesburg victory.
That mentality could be crucial as South Africa prepare for a very different challenge in a neutral venue.
Everything is still to play for
The Springboks may have the upper hand, but the final Test promises to be another major examination.
South Africa will be targeting a series-clinching victory, while New Zealand will be desperate to force a 2-2 finish.
For supporters, the first major moment arrives on Monday evening when Erasmus finally reveals the team he believes can get the job done.
Springboks vs All Blacks: Key details
Team announcement: Monday, 20:00 SA time
Date: Saturday, 12 September
Venue: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
Kick-off: 23:00 SA time
Series: Springboks lead 2-1
Stakes: Springboks win = series victory; All Blacks win = 2-2 draw
The countdown to Baltimore is officially on — and the Springboks team announcement at 20:00 will be the next major piece of the puzzle.
