Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made only two changes to his starting team that defeated the All Blacks in Johannesburg for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry (RGR) series decider in Baltimore on Saturday.
Damian Willemse replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg being drafted into the starting team.
Given the team’s brave performances in the last two matches to take a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series, the Bok coach opted for continuity in selection with an eye on trying to clinch the series win in the USA, prompting him to make the one injury enforced change at fullback and hand Van den Berg a start, with Cobus Reinach switching to the replacements bench.
READ: Soweto roars as Springboks rule after running All Blacks ragged
According to the SA Rugby website, a victory for the Springboks at the M&T Bank Stadium will pave the way for them to win the inaugural competition, while a victory for the All Blacks will see the sides draw the series following their victory in the opening match.
Kolbe, who left the field injured at the FNB Stadium last weekend, was one of six players who remained behind in South Africa as the squad travelled to the USA, with the team set to make the journey directly from the USA to Australia for the one-off Test against the Wallabies at the Optus Stadium in Perth on Sunday, September 27.
“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 matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series,” said Erasmus.
“These players also know exactly what to expect from a very determined All Blacks team, who will give everything to draw the series this weekend.”
Erasmus elaborated on Willemse and Van den Berg’s inclusion in the run-on team, saying: “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 before last week.
“Morne, meanwhile, 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.”
Erasmus expected a massive backlash from the All Blacks this weekend, but he said his charges were prepared for another big battle.
READ: Records on the line in All Blacks, Springboks’ third Test in Soweto
“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, so we are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend.
“That said, we are equally determined to finish the series strongly and give everything to lift the trophy, and the players are excited about the match.
“We have no doubt that it’s going to be another epic encounter that will require a full-blown 80-minute effort on attack and defence, so we will manage the players well this week to ensure that they are ready physically and mentally for Saturday,” Erasmus said.
- Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus has made two changes to the starting team for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider in Baltimore, replacing injured Cheslin Kolbe with Damian Willemse at fullback and adding scrumhalf Morne van den Berg to the starting team.
- The Springboks currently lead the four-Test series 2-1 against the All Blacks and aim to clinch the series win in the USA.
- Cheslin Kolbe and five other players remained in South Africa due to injury and did not travel to the USA, as the team will proceed to Australia after the match for a Test against the Wallabies.
- Erasmus emphasized maintaining continuity in the team selection and praised Willemse and Van den Berg for their contributions and readiness for the deciding match.
- The match is expected to be highly competitive, with both teams determined to fight for victory, and Erasmus stressed the importance of preparation and player management ahead of the game.
Damian Willemse replaces the injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg being drafted into the starting team.
Given the team’s brave performances in the last two matches to take a 2-1 lead in the four-Test series, the Bok coach opted for continuity in selection with an eye on trying to clinch the series win in the USA, prompting him to make the one injury enforced change at fullback and hand Van den Berg a start, with Cobus Reinach switching to the replacements bench.
READ: Soweto roars as
Kolbe, who left the field injured at the FNB Stadium last weekend, was one of six players who remained behind in
“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 matchday squad, and naming Damian back in his regular position, makes sense for the closing match of the series,” said Erasmus.
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Erasmus elaborated on Willemse and Van den Berg’s inclusion in the run-on team, saying: “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 before last week.
“Morne, meanwhile, 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.”
Erasmus expected a massive backlash from the All Blacks this weekend, but he said his charges were prepared for another big battle.
READ: Records on the line in All Blacks,
“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, so we are under no illusions about the magnitude of the challenge ahead this weekend.
“
“We have no doubt that it’s going to be another epic encounter that will require a full-blown 80-minute effort on attack and defence, so we will manage the players well this week to ensure that they are ready physically and mentally for Saturday," Erasmus said.
