Erasmus adjusts squad for RGR series decider

South African rugby coach Rassie Erasmus made two changes to his starting lineup on September 7 for the Castle Double Malt Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series decider against the All Blacks in Baltimore on Saturday. Damian Willemse replaced the injured Cheslin Kolbe at fullback, and scrumhalf Morne van den Berg was included in the starting team.

The Springboks led the four-Test series 2-1 after solid performances in their previous matches and sought to maintain continuity while aiming to clinch the series win in the USA. Erasmus mentioned that the only change to the team was due to Kolbe's injury, prompting Van den Berg’s selection in the run-on squad, while Cobus Reinach moved to the bench.

A victory for South Africa at M&T Bank Stadium would secure them the inaugural series title, while an All Blacks win would result in a series draw after their triumph in the opening match. Kolbe left the field with an injury during the game at FNB Stadium the previous weekend and was among six players who remained in South Africa as the squad traveled to the USA. The Springboks were set to proceed directly from the USA to Australia for a 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,” Erasmus commented.

Erasmus provided insights into Willemse's and Van den Berg’s positions within the team, noting that Willemse had started the first two Tests and only missed the previous match due to a minor injury.

"Morne made a fantastic impact when he took the field last week, and he deserves a chance to start,” Erasmus added. “Cobus will provide experience and skill from the bench in this vital match.”

Erasmus anticipated a significant response from the All Blacks and acknowledged his team's preparedness for the challenge ahead.

"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," he stated.

The match is scheduled to commence at 23:00 SA time (17:00 EDT), with live broadcast available on SuperSport.

Springbok starting team against the All Blacks in Baltimore:
1. Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers) – 54 caps, 76 points
2. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Mitsubishi Dynaboars) – 34 caps, 130 points
3. Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles) – 93 caps, 125 points
4. Damian de Allende (Wild Knights) – 102 caps, 60 points
5. Ethan Hooker (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 12 caps, 10 points
6. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu (DHL Stormers) – 23 caps, 184 points
7. Morne van den Berg (10bet Lions) – 9 caps, 25 points
8. Jasper Wiese (Urayasu D-Rocks) – 48 caps, 20 points
9. Pieter-Steph du Toit (Toyota Verblitz) – 101 caps, 70 points
10. Siya Kolisi (captain, DHL Stormers) – 106 caps, 75 points
11. Ruan Nortje (Kubota Spears) – 23 caps, 5 points
12. Eben Etzebeth (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 145 caps, 45 points
13. Wilco Louw (DHL Stormers) – 34 caps, 10 points
14. Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears) – 92 caps, 140 points
15. Ox Nche (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 51 caps, 0 points

Replacements:
1. Deon Fourie (DHL Stormers) – 15 caps, 10 points
2. Gerhard Steenekamp (Vodacom Bulls) – 22 caps, 10 points
3. Thomas du Toit (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 36 caps, 10 points
4. Lood de Jager (Wild Knights) – 76 caps, 25 points
5. Andre Esterhuizen (Hollywoodbets Sharks) – 34 caps, 30 points
6. Cameron Hanekom (Vodacom Bulls) – 5 caps, 5 points
7. Cobus Reinach (DHL Stormers) – 56 caps, 100 points
8. Manie Libbok (Kintetsu Liners) – 33 caps, 143 points.