Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to the Springboks starting XV for Saturday’s decisive clash with the All Blacks in Baltimore, with Damian Willemse returning and Morné van den Berg earning a start.
The Springboks head into the fourth and final Test with a 2-1 advantage in the four-match series after their dramatic victory over New Zealand in Johannesburg.
Erasmus has largely resisted the temptation to make sweeping changes, instead sticking with the combination that helped South Africa move within one victory of securing the series.
Willemse returns after Kolbe injury
The biggest change comes at fullback, where Damian Willemse returns to the starting XV.
Willemse missed the third Test because of a niggle, but his return comes at a difficult time for the Springboks after Cheslin Kolbe suffered a broken jaw in the Johannesburg encounter.
Kolbe is among the players who have remained in South Africa and will not feature in the Baltimore decider.
Erasmus believes Willemse’s familiarity with the players around him should allow him to slot straight back into the team.
“Damian started the first two Tests and had it not been for a niggle last week, he would have also started that match,” Erasmus explained.
The return of Willemse gives South Africa an experienced and trusted option at the back as they attempt to close out the series.
Van den Berg gets his opportunity
The second change comes at scrumhalf.
Morné van den Berg moves into the starting side after making a strong impact from the bench in the previous Test.
Cobus Reinach drops to the replacements, where his experience could become particularly valuable if the match goes down to the wire.
Erasmus believes Van den Berg has done enough to deserve the opportunity.
“Morne made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start,” the coach said.
It represents a significant opportunity for the young scrumhalf on one of the biggest stages in international rugby.
Springboks one win away from series glory
South Africa’s position is clear.
A victory at M&T Bank Stadium will secure the series and put the Springboks in position to lift the inaugural Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry trophy.
However, the All Blacks have everything to play for.
New Zealand won the opening Test, but South Africa responded with victories in the next two matches to take control of the series.
Another All Blacks victory would level the series at 2-2, ensuring the contest finishes all square.
Erasmus expects New Zealand to produce a fierce response.
Erasmus expecting another All Blacks fight
The Springbok coach knows his team will need to be ready for another physically and mentally demanding encounter.
South Africa and New Zealand have now faced each other for three consecutive weeks, giving both coaching teams plenty of insight into their opponents.
Erasmus nevertheless expects the All Blacks to arrive with renewed determination.
The Springboks, meanwhile, will need to produce another complete 80-minute performance if they are to finish the series on top.
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.
When is the Springboks vs All Blacks decider?
The fourth Test takes place in Baltimore on Saturday, with kick-off scheduled for 23:00 South African time (17:00 EDT).
With the series hanging in the balance, Erasmus has opted for continuity, while trusting Willemse and Van den Berg to make the most of their opportunities.
Now the Springboks have one final task: finish the job in Baltimore.
