Cheslin Kolbe at fullback as South Africa make four changes
Cheslin Kolbe is named at fullback for South Africa
©Steve Haag
Rassie Erasmus has made four changes to the Springboks starting XV for their third Test against New Zealand at FNB Stadium, with Cheslin Kolbe moving to fullback following Damian Willemse’s hamstring injury.
Cheslin Kolbe moves to Springboks fullback
Willemse was forced off at half-time during South Africa’s 33-26 victory in Cape Town and has been ruled out of the third Test.
Kolbe, who contributed 18 points in the second-Test victory, switches from the right wing to fullback, while Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to the starting side in the No.14 jersey.
The remaining backline combinations have been retained as South Africa look to build on the victory that levelled the four-match series at 1-1.
Springboks restore first-choice front row
Erasmus has also restored Ox Nche, Malcolm Marx and Wilco Louw to the starting front row.
The trio had initially been selected to start in Cape Town before Erasmus made a late change approximately an hour before kick-off, promoting Gerhard Steenekamp, Deon Fourie and Thomas du Toit.
Erasmus explained that the switch was influenced by changing weather conditions, with the lighter front row preferred after conditions turned dry.
Steenekamp, Fourie and Du Toit now return to the replacements bench for the third Test.
South Africa prepare for FNB Stadium clash
The Springboks head into Saturday’s encounter with momentum after responding to their opening-Test defeat at Ellis Park with victory in Cape Town.
Erasmus expects another intense contest, warning that New Zealand will be determined to respond after losing their series advantage.
“We know how it felt losing after the first match in Johannesburg, and such a result really galvanises a team,” said Erasmus.
“So, we have no doubt that they will go full-out to win this test before the series finale in the USA next week.
“They are one of the two best teams in the world and, based on experience, they never give up, as we saw last weekend. This will undoubtedly be another epic encounter.”
The third Test takes place at FNB Stadium in Johannesburg on September 5 before the teams travel to the United States for the series finale in Baltimore.
South Africa XV: 1. Ox Nche, 2. Malcolm Marx, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Eben Etzebeth, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Siya Kolisi (capt), 7. Pieter-Steph du Toit, 8. Jasper Wiese, 9. Cobus Reinach, 10. Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, 11. Ethan Hooker, 12. Damian de Allende, 13. Jesse Kriel, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 15. Cheslin Kolbe.
Reserves: 16. Deon Fourie, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Thomas du Toit, 19. Lood de Jager, 20. Andre Esterhuizen, 21. Cameron Hanekom, 22. Morne van den Berg, 23. Manie Libbok
